Jonny Martinez accepts the Male Entertainer of the Year award at Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Alice, Texas, on January 4, 2025. | Credit: Isaac Castillo / Tejano Nation
Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame Tejano and country artist Jonny Martinez has been hospitalized after suffering complications following open heart surgery last month.
According to Cooking For A Cause, a blog created to document the 56-year-old singer’s recovery, “The morning of Monday, October 6, Jonny’s condition suddenly changed for the worse. 911 was called and Jonny was transported to a local hospital in San Antonio, TX, by ambulance, where he was stabilized and transferred to a hospital specializing in the care needed after his open heart surgery. As of the writing of this blog, he is stable but is in need of lots of rest per his cardiologist and his wife.”
Martinez, a San Antonio-based Tejano and country artist, is known for his authentic sound blending Tejano, Tex-Mex, and country influences. He has recorded since 1988 with well-known releases such as Caminos Chuecos, Ron Con Coca Cola, Mujer Mexicana, La Callejera, Lo Mejor de Jonny Martinez, Dedicado A Mi Madre, and Admirando a Mi Padre. He is also the owner and producer of AMI Records Latin and the son of Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame inductee Anselmo “El Chemiro” Martinez, who passed away in 2020.
A fundraiser and benefit plate sale had already been planned to help Martinez with medical expenses and recovery costs following his heart surgery. The event will take place Sunday, October 19, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Legion Post #443 (20295 Somerset Rd., Somerset, TX 78069).
Guests can enjoy live entertainment, food, and music while supporting the beloved artist. Plates will be available for purchase at $12 (chicken and sausage) or $15 (brisket and sausage), each served with rice, beans, grilled corn on the cob, bread, jalapeño, and pickled onions. Quantities may be limited, and those wishing to reserve a plate can text 956-407-1876. Volunteers and donors are also encouraged to reach out to the same number for more information.
In addition, a GoFundMe page has been created to assist with medical and living expenses as Martinez continues his recovery.
Fans, friends, and the Tejano community have rallied around Martinez, offering prayers and support for his healing journey. Stay tuned to TejanoNation.net for the latest update on Jonny Martinez.
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