Norma Jean Mendez (Jina Ink) and Anthony Hernandez | Courtesy photo

Anthony Hernandez Bio by Jin Ink

Anthony Hernandez is the lead vocalist for his band The Crew. The musician plays keyboards, bass, drums, guitar, accordion, and sings. We all heard about sensational entertainers and San Antonio Texas is full of the best singers, songwriters, and performers. Today in this new decade, recognition is highly recommended to a man whose talent is beyond anything anyone has ever seen, a man who has built his contributions for so many other bands all over the United States.

Hernandez was born and raised in San Antonio Texas and is very versatile in his music. He started playing his music at an early age of five years old, playing drums, and had his first recording at age 9 (for the St. Frances Glee Club by sister Mary Theresa).

At age 11, Anthony began sitting in with different bands and picking up other instruments (bass) for his family who formed a Conjunto band, and by the age of 14, he formed his own band, Felix Y Los Quarto Estrellas, which lasted with that name for a couple of years and then changed the name to Grupo Monticello recording two 45 records. At such an early age you would think this is too much for a kid, right? But nothing has stopped this kid from such a huge resume. After playing with Grupo Monticello for a few years, one of San Antonio’s finest musicians decided to take a look at this kid and was amazed by his talents, little did he know he was asked to play for Sunny and The Sunliners. By the age of 17, Hernandez was so powerful with his instruments that he was asked to work with other top performers, that’s when the legendary Manny Guerra decided to bring him along to work at AMEN Studios.

Hernandez has also recorded for Jimmy Edward, Shelly Lares, Oscar G., Ricardo Castillon, and La Mafia. He became one of the most talented musicians in San Antonio and even made appearances on major television program networks and commercials.

At the age of 21 years, Hernandez was asked to perform for a band with a new wave, new style, and a classy atmosphere. The band was called Pure Magic which gave a Vegas Style repertoire. This led to him having a professional institution that was owned and directed by Mr. Jimmy Casas. This band was in huge demand at the time and opened up an even more wide path for Anthony, just to join forces with an old time friend, Joe Revelez, and do something no one has been able to duplicate, a dual keyboard team sounding like a nine-piece band, while Hernandez played keys, touch base, and drums at the same time.

Los Dudes landed Hernandez the Most Promising Band award in 1989 at the Tejano Music Awards and toured through their second album, and are still in the studio after 15 years doing their third album. Also taking a break from just that, Hernandez played with Ram Herrera and The Outlaw Band in 1992. He also arranged three albums for Ram, which helped him grow his already amazing resume.

Tejano is not the only thing this phenomenal artist performs. His love of rhythm and blues and jazz led him towards a touring musician with The Coasters, The Platters, and The Drifters in the late ’80s. Now you can find Hernandez in the Tejano scene with the legendary Joe Posada, playing keyboards.

Herandez received a two nominations for best keyboard player of the year for the Tejano Academy Awards, winning the award in 2010. In March 2010, he has signed with Posada’s Baby Dude Records and released his solo debut eponymous album, dedicated to all the outstanding artists he’s ever worked with.

Thanks to all the promoters and writers on this event, and a special thanks to all the fans who keep the music alive. Anthony Hernandez is one of the most talented Artists in the world and will continue to strive for the love of his music and his fans. Sometimes in life in music, we’re forgotten, but not gone. The best is still yet to come.

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Samuel Ramirez "El Capi"