88R26519 JRI-D
By: Flores H.R. No. 1298
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Pioneering Chicano Tejano band Tortilla Factory is
celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 2023; and
WHEREAS, In 1973, Tortilla Factory was established by
trumpeter and San Angelo native Tony "Ham" Guerrero and former
members of Little Joe & the Latinaires; blending Tejano with
elements of rock, R&B, polka, salsa, jazz, and soul to create a
unique sound, the 10-piece ensemble has also benefited from the
talents of front man Bobby "El Charro Negro" Butler, who learned to
sing Tejano music picking cotton alongside Mexican laborers as a
child in Arkansas; delighting audiences with his soulful croon and
effortless renditions of genre classics, he broke down racial
barriers as one of the first African-American Tejano singers to
find success; and
WHEREAS, Tortilla, as the band is known by its fans, released
its debut, La Malagueña, in 1973 and a self-titled album in 1974
before relocating to Oakland, California; half of the band did not
make the move, and Mr. Guerrero formed a new lineup; despite
finding commercial success from albums and live shows, the group
folded in the 1980s as the popularity of Tejano began to wane; and
WHEREAS, In 2000, Mr. Guerrero reformed the band, eventually
bringing in his children Laura and Alfredo Antonio Guerrero to join
Mr. Butler; Tortilla introduced itself to new audiences in 2008
with the release of the acclaimed album, All that Jazz; reinventing
the group's classic sound with contemporary beats, it received a
Grammy nomination for Best Tejano album, a feat the band would
repeat with the 2010 release, Cookin'; over the years, Tortilla has
also been recognized by the Latin Grammys and the Austin Chronicle
Music Awards, and Mr. Butler and Ham Guerrero were inducted into
the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, The group's comeback was cut short when Ham Guerrero
passed away on January 29, 2011; in the subsequent years, Alfredo
Guerrero has furthered the legacy of Tortilla Factory as its new
leader; and
WHEREAS, Tortilla Factory has left a lasting imprint on
Tejano music, and its anniversary presents a welcome opportunity to
recognize the band for contributing to the rich musical heritage of
the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of Tortilla
Factory and extend to its members sincere best wishes for continued
success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the group as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.