Tejano Icon Emilio Navaira Dead at 53

One of the biggest names in Tejano music, Emilio Navaira, has died from a heart attack. He was 53 years old.

The award-winning singer was widely credited with introducing Tejano music into the mainstream in the 1990s. He became one of the biggest names in Tejano, alongside Selena and La Mafia.

Fans of country music may recall his crossover into mainstream country back in the 90s. His highest-charting single was 1995's "It's Not the End of the World".

On a personal note, I had the pleasure of going to San Diego this weekend to check out a brand new country group called The Last Bandoleros. The three-man group features one of Emilio's kids, his son Diego Navaira. Another son, Emilio Navaira IV, plays drums as part of the backing band.

It was a real pleasure to meet these two gentlemen who are true music lovers, and very talented musicians themselves. I even asked them about their dad because I was quite the fan of his when he crossed over to country music.

They informed me that their dad was doing well and he was in Mexico performing.

Sad day for us all.