Michael Salgado | Courtesy
Two-time Latin GRAMMY Award winner and Tejano icon Michael Salgado joined Bean & Chisme host Samantha Najera for a heartfelt, funny, and nostalgia-filled interview celebrating three decades of music, memories, and milestones. The Tejano legend opened up about his journey from a farm-town kid with a dream to one of the genre’s most enduring stars — and he’s marking the milestone with a 30th Anniversary Concert on Dec. 5 at the Rodeo Event Center in San Antonio, Texas.
As part of his 30th celebration, Salgado will be honored with a Texas flag, a moment he says symbolizes the deep connection he’s built with fans across the Lone Star State throughout his 30-year career.
Three Decades Strong: “It’s Been an Awesome Ride”
Salgado, who debuted in 1995 at just 23 years old, reflected on the whirlwind of the past three decades.
“It seems like just yesterday… it’s been an awesome ride,” he told Najera. “We started back in ’95, but the roots go way earlier.”
Those roots began in rural West Texas, where Salgado grew up a farm boy singing beside his father, who always kept a guitar within reach. Weekends were filled with family gatherings, homemade recordings, and early performances with his dad and uncles.
By age 11 or 12, he was driving tractors, learning country songs in the fields, and performing at small-town restaurants like the Rankin Train Depot. In those moments, he says, the foundation for his musical future was unknowingly taking shape.
From Family Band to Tejano Stardom
Salgado shared how his early years playing bass alongside his father and uncles eventually led him to pick up the accordion — left-handed, flipping the instrument upside down, teaching himself entirely by ear.
He also reflected on the making of his breakthrough hit “Cruz de Madera,” which was inspired by a version he heard recorded by music legend Ruben Ramos. Salgado’s accordion-driven interpretation became a cultural phenomenon, topping radio charts for weeks and helping cement his place in Tejano history.
“We were trying to move on to another song,” he recalled, “but ‘Cruz de Madera’ just wouldn’t leave number one.”
From there came a string of beloved hits including “Palomita Blanca,” “Muñeco,” and “Sin Ella,” defining the soundtrack for an entire generation of Tejano fans.
Surviving the Industry — and Standing Strong
Najera asked Salgado about the difficult moments of his career, including a long and painful legal dispute with his first record label.
“They controlled everything — booking, management, the gigs,” he said. “It was tough… I just wanted God to get me out of that position.”
Despite major hits under his belt, Salgado said he received “pennies” for early contracts and has not been paid for half of one of his major albums since 1998, even though he legally owns half of the record. Ongoing legal steps may soon revisit the issue.
Still, he credits his fans, faith, and family for keeping him going.
Dec. 5 in San Antonio: The Final SA Show of 2025 — Not Retirement
Salgado clarified a viral misunderstanding: his upcoming Dec. 5 performance at San Antonio’s Rodeo Event Center is his final San Antonio show of 2025, not his retirement.
“People got confused,” he laughed. “But I don’t see myself retiring anytime soon.”
The concert will feature Salgado performing classics, fan favorites, and music from his upcoming album Homenajes de Mis Idolos, Vol. 2, dropping December 19. Guests include Jaime DeAnda, Grupo Asalto, and Grupo Zodiacal bringing a powerhouse lineup of talent.
Salgado also shared that the new single “Mi Primer Amor” is already out, with “Una Noche Serena Oscura” releasing Thanksgiving Day. The album includes emotional, deeply personal tracks tied to memories of his grandparents and childhood beginnings.
Honored with the Texas Flag
During the discussion, Salgado proudly mentioned being honored with a Texas flag, a tribute presented in recognition of his cultural impact and 30 years representing Tejano music at home and beyond.
The moment, he said, feels like a full-circle blessing after decades of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication to his craft.
A Legacy Still Growing
Salgado continues touring heavily, performing nationwide through the end of 2024, and preparing for special events including Ramón Ayala’s annual posada in Hidalgo, Texas.
As the interview wrapped, Najera praised the resilience and longevity of his career.
“Not many people last in Tejano music,” she told him. “But you were our idol growing up.”
After 30 years, Michael Salgado is still here — still recording, still touring, still connecting, and still carrying the Tejano flag with pride.
Michael Salgado 30th Anniversary Concert
December 5, 2025
Rodeo Event Center – San Antonio, Texas
Featuring: Michael Salgado, Jaime DeAnda, and Grupo Asalto
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