About Me
The Hermanos Cortez group is originally from Denver Harbor , Tx and is now in it's third generation of hermanos. Tony Cortez Sr. (bajo sexto) started the group more than 40 years ago with the original name "Los Fronterizos de Tony Cortez" The name "Los Fronterizos" was given to Tony Sr. by Pepe Almanza, which is the famous Elsa Garcia's, father. Tony had all his sons involved in music... Tony Jr, Louis, Monico, Ray, and Ruben (sound engineer). Throughout the years they had many talented musicians come in and out of the band. One that comes to mind is Mando Litchenberger Jr., who is now the keyboard player for La Mafia. Mando played with Los Fronterizos at the age of 14, ..boards and accordion. Los Fronterizos went through many changes, they were one of the first bands to have a keyboard and bajo sexto in it and one of the first bands to have two accordion players. Los Fronterizos made many recordings and won many awards in the early and late 70's under Gil Records. In the early 80's they began to take on their own style. The band was unique, for their style in conjunto music and their dress attire, which was The Zuit Suits. They were known as Houston 's Hottest Low Rider Band. Touring all over Texas and playing for all the car shows at The Sam Houston Coliseum. After Tony Sr.'s death in 1983, sons Monico Cortez (bass, vocals) and Tony Cortez Jr (drums) took over and changed the name to what is now, Los Hermanos Cortez. They took a turn in style and in music. After their father's death, they dropped the Bajo Sexto and on board came Jesse De Los Santos on electric guitar. They also picked up accordion player Joe Torres on acromatic accordion, which had 5 rows on it. They now were moving towards what was popular at that time, Los Chachos and what they had grew up listening too, Conjunto Bernal and Hermanos Serrata. They went on to record more LP's at The legendary Nacho Garza's Studio. They continued to play all over Texas and Florida , at Private Functions and local club gigs. Los Hermanos Cortez last recorded in the early 90's at Pappion Studios in Houston, Tx. In 1992 Tony Cortez Jr.(drums) was injured while at his day job and could no longer perform with the band. Younger brother, Ray Cortez stepped up to the plate and filled in on drums. Now, another decade, a new style was upon us. Monico and Ray decided to change the band a little more. They brought in a Keyboard Player and some Sax Players. Now, Los Hermanos Cortez blended in the sounds of Los Chachos, Los Classicos, and Los Aguilares all together. They continued to play like this for another decade. In 2000, Los Hermanos Cortez slowed down tremendously. Taking time on the weekends to spend with family and friends. They were only taking bookings for private parties. They dropped the saxophones and keyboards and went back to their old conjunto roots. In 2003 Freddie Quellar on bajo sexto and Carlos Torres on accordion convinced Monico to get back into the club scene. Los Hermanos Cortez were now, Monico Cortez Sr. (lead vocals, bass), younger brother Ray Cortez (drums), and its third generation Monico Cortez Jr. (vocals, percussion) In 2004, Los Hermanos Cortez won another award for "Best Conjunto" from The Houston Press Awards. After this award they figured it was time to bring out something new. They teamed up with Mr. Charlie T. from TJS Bravo Records, re-grouped and are now finally ready to release it. In late 2004 Los Hermanos Cortez picked up Federico "El Pato" Cadriel on accordion and Alex Elias on bass. They went into the studio, rehearsed and came up with a totally new sound. Blending in Tejano and Conjunto together. This new C.D. entitled "Ahora Si" is for sure going to bring back some memories. Recording some of their originals from the early 80's, some classic hits, and something for the new genre. This title fits them well because it's been over 15 years since they have been in the studio, Los Hermanos Cortez presents "Ahora Si" Musical Careers:Monico Cortez Sr. began his musical career at the age of 9yrs old playing drums with Los Fronterizos de Tony Cortez. From their he went on to the bass guitar, then he went on to become the lead vocalist. Ray Cortez began his musical career at the age of 14yrs old with Los Chamacos de Raul De Anda. From there he went on to play with Flaco Garcia y Los Andariegos, then onto Houston's Finest Montego Band. Now to his own family Los Hermanos Cortez. Monico Cortez Jr. began his musical career at the age of 9yrs old playing keyboards and some singing for Los Hermanos Cortez. Now he has dropped the keyboards and is just singing. Musical Influences: The music we grew up with and loved to hear.Monico Cortez Sr. - Conjunto Bernal, Tony De La Rosa, Little Joe, Augustine Ramirez, Los AguilaresRay Cortez - Los Classicos, Conjunto Bernal, Los Dos Gilbertos, Los ChachosMonico Cortez Jr. - Los Chachos, Los Hermanos Serrata, Steve Jordan
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