Those nostalgic for a simpler musical time need not fret. There is a greatest hits album for one of the greatest Norteño groups of the twentieth century on the market this month. Tribute to Los Alegres de Terán, which dropped Feb. 5, is a live-recorded album that spans the beginning of the pioneering group’s musical career.
For those unfamiliar with Los Alegres de Terán, their history is the stuff of musical folklore. Founding members Eugenio Abrego (1922-1988) and Tomas Ortiz (1924-2007) met in a nightclub in the mid-1940s in Nuevo León. Recognizing their musical talents – Abrego was a prodigy on the accordion while Ortiz was a talented songwriter – they formed Los Alegres de Terán. Their focus was on exposing folk music of Norteño corridos, rancheras, and polkas to a broader audience.
Success came swiftly. The group’s music was used in many films and adored by audiences, winning a host of music and political action awards including a certificate of recognition by the California State Assembly for their efforts to preserve and celebrate Mexican history and culture. In 1983, Los Alegres de Terán was inducted into the Tejano Conjunto Hall of Fame. This latest album is a tribute to their work.
