New San Antonio Museum Honors Tejano Music Legacy

A New Chapter for Tejano Music in San Antonio

San Antonio, often referred to as the capital of Tejano music, has long been missing a permanent tribute to the genre’s pioneers. That void has now been filled with the opening of the Totally Tejano Hall of Fame and Museum at 1414 Fredericksburg Rd. This new space serves as a dedicated hub to honor the history and legacy of Tejano music, preserving its rich cultural heritage for future generations.

The museum's founder and board president, Roger Hernandez, has been deeply involved in the Tejano music scene for over four decades. His company, En Caliente Productions, has supported countless artists and songwriters since 1982, playing a key role in promoting Tejano, conjunto, and regional Mexican music. Hernandez’s passion for the genre stems from personal experiences, including his wife's interactions with visitors who often inquired about a physical museum for Tejano music.

In 2022, Hernandez partnered with friends, family, and local supporters to make the nonprofit Totally Tejano Hall of Fame a reality. “I've been in the music scene for over 40 years, it's time to do a museum,” he recalls. The museum is a tribute to those who have contributed to the growth of Tejano music across Texas and northern Mexico, especially as many of its pioneers are aging.

Recent losses in the community, such as the passing of renowned producer Manny Guerra and singer-songwriter Abraham Quintanilla, highlight the urgency of preserving the genre's history. Both individuals passed away shortly after the museum opened, underscoring the importance of the museum's mission.

Exhibits and Future Plans

The Totally Tejano Museum spans 5,000 square feet and features a wide array of exhibits, including plaques, photos, promotional posters, musical instruments, and other memorabilia. Mannequins wear stage outfits from icons like Laura Canales and Flaco Jimenez, while a wall of photos honors the late greats. The museum also showcases performances from Totally Tejano Television, which plays legendary acts on loop, bringing the exhibits to life.

Hernandez envisions the museum expanding with permanent and rotating exhibits, including traveling shows, a Hall of Fame section, and an area dedicated to Chicano music crossovers. Artists like Johnny Rodriguez, known for blending country with Tex-Mex music, will be celebrated. Plans include an inaugural Hall of Fame induction in February 2026.

Eventually, a 2,000 square feet back room will be converted into additional display space and host industry gatherings, community symposiums, and record and video release parties. The museum also plans to add a gift and record shop, as well as a music learning room where visitors can listen to early Tejano music and browse archival photos. Educational field trips with local school districts are already being explored.

Community Support and Impact

The museum is a grassroots effort, with Hernandez and fellow board members using their own funds to rent, renovate, and maintain the space. The board also selects Hall of Fame honorees and curates the exhibits. The museum's reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with media outlets and fans from across Texas and beyond visiting.

“We had a radio station come in this morning from Houston to interview us,” Hernandez says. “People have come in from Lubbock, Texas. We have had people from Midland, Texas. We have another person who emailed us who’s coming in from New York. People are learning all about us.”

Musicians like Johnny Hernandez, Sunny Ozuna, Elida Reyna, and Danny Martinez from Danny and The Tejanos have already visited the museum, showing their support for the initiative.

Visiting the Museum

The Totally Tejano Hall of Fame and Museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm Tuesdays through Sundays, with Mondays as closed days. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. For more information, fans can call 210-314-1310.