Oscar Martinez: Tejano Legend of Corpus Christi
Introduction
On March 20, 1999, Oscar Martinez (b. 1934) was inducted into the Tejano Music Hall of Fame. Upon accepting this honor, as reported by the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, he shared, "We're very behind on publicity for Tejano musicians," a statement that carried great sorrow; furthermore, "Some of the best musicians are gone, and they were never honored."
For a man who wrote and recorded songs for decades, Martinez knew all too well how Mexican American artistic pursuits and contributions were overlooked, even worse, omitted from the historical narrative. His remarks are powerful and insightful, attributes that mirror his discography.
Latinidad Composition
Corridos are narrative ballads that document news, histories, or legends. The corrido is not a diversion from the Tejano genre; it encapsulates the politics of recording music in Spanish. These native speakers performing in Spanish proclaimed to the world that they were here and grounded in su cultura.
In this instance, the "Corrido Trágico" details how nine members of the Oscar Martinez Orchestra were hit in a two-car collision near El Campo, Texas. The Baytown Sun reported on their accident on March 8, 1965; the day was the darkest of their then seven-year history.
There are no recorded renditions of this song, as the lyric sheets were sold to raise funds, at twenty-five cents per copy, for those in the hospital. Agapito Zuñiga, the lyricist, mourns the two young men fatally killed, strangers taken from this world at a moment's notice. His heart weighs heavily knowing he will not forget the day; he imagines a dove flying in the sky, a beckon of protection for future ventures.
Paper Materials
For bookings, the band issued this standard contract. The humor within the document does not go unnoticed. “God will” stands out as several band members were raised within the Catholic faith. The contract manages to be concise and witty, all within a handful of sentences.
Rising Stars
The artwork features band members and singles alike, inviting spectators to hear their favorite tunes. Four songs are listed: “El Diablo,” “El Masca Tabaco,” “Tu Calavera,” and “Mi Margarita.”
Cultural Fixtures
Rasquachismo in practice means piecing "whatever scraps you can pool together to make the most out of the least," according to Chicano and Emeritus Professor of Television, Dr. John Ramirez of Cal State University. This poster is one of many that invoke said style.
Latino Excellence and Permanence
In 2012, The Scoot Inn of Austin, Texas, held a Chicano Soul Revue as part of their Summer of Soul! Featured artists of the event included Oscar Martinez, Rudy T. Gonzales of Rudy T. & The Reno-Boys, Rico Del Barrio, Joanna Ramriez, Larry Lange & His Lonely Knights, and Johnny “The Montopolis Kid” Degollado.
Martinez, aged 78, never let his age get in the way of a performance. He exuded artistry! The Austin joint was one of hundreds of venues where “El Tejano Enamorado,” or the Loving Texan, performed. It is a testament to his craft that he continued playing shows, especially those that recognized multiple Chicano and Mexican American identities.
Oscar Martinez passed away on July 15, 2020. His life, image, and music will undoubtedly inspire new musicians, creatives, and dreamers.