Jesse Turner with mother, Narcisa Cortez Ruiz. | Facebook / Jesse Turner
Jesse Turner, frontman of the Latin Grammy-winning band Siggno, delivered one of the most emotional performances of his career just days after the passing of his mother, Narcisa Cortez Ruiz. She died on August 25, 2025, at the age of 86.
On August 30, during his first performance since her passing, Turner dedicated the fan-favorite song “Mamá” to her at Palomino Fest in Uvalde, Texas. The touching tribute was filled with raw emotion, with Turner struggling to sing at times as grief overwhelmed him. Fellow performer and close friend Lucky Joe stepped in to help carry the performance, showing his support for Turner in the deeply vulnerable moment. Lucky Joe also shared a special bond with Turner’s mother, having once lived with Turner and his family a few years ago.
A video of the emotional performance was shared by the Uvalde Leader-News on Facebook, capturing the heartfelt moment that resonated with fans across the Tejano community.
The night before his Uvalde performance, Turner entered Legends Sound Studios in Corpus Christi, Texas, to record a new song inspired by his profound loss. Legendary label Freddie Records shared photos from the late-night session, describing it as “unforgettable,” as Turner poured his grief into music, transforming “tears and anguish into something truly magical and touching.”
This latest heartbreak comes just weeks after Turner also lost his grandmother. That earlier loss inspired him to write “Vuela Madrecita Vuela,” a song about the bond between mother and son—a connection passed through generations. Now, as he faces the passing of his beloved mother, the song has taken on an even deeper and more personal meaning.
Through his music, Jesse Turner continues to honor the women who shaped his life, finding healing in the melodies that carry both his sorrow and his love.
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