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Rep. Ciro D. Rodriguez

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 30 years of honors by the Texas Talent Musician's Association. This San Antonio-based non-profit organization promotes excellence in the Tejano Music Industry.

Tejano music is known for its modern sound with influences from cumbia, rock and blues. This type of music originated along the Mexico-Texas border during the time of the Mexican-American Revolution in the 1840s. Not only is it a combination of different sounds, but also a fusion of Mexican, Texan, and even Eastern European cultures. Songs within Tejano music are known to be passed down from generation to generation, making sure those epic stories about political leaders, history, and current times are consistently being told through song. Tejano Music is truly an original American art form.

It is impossible to talk about Tejano music without mentioning Selena Quintanilla Perez, the ``Queen of Tejano Music.'' Selena was a proud Mexican-American woman who was born and raised in Texas. Although she did not speak Spanish, most of her music was in Spanish. She performed from the age of 8 until her death at the age of 23. In 1987 she won Female Vocalist of the Year at the Tejano Music Awards. Selena's contributions to the music industry are legendary and are commendable.

The Texas Talent Musicians Association has hosted the Tejano Music Awards every year since 1980. This year the 30th annual Tejano Music Awards will take place on July 11th in San Antonio, Texas, proudly known as the ``Tejano Music Capital of the World''.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Tejano Music as truly an original American art form, Selena Quintanilla Perez as a legend of Tejano Music, and the Texas Talent Musician's Association for their international promotion of Tejano Music.