In this interview from 2013, Rancho Alegre's Baldomero Cuellar sat down with a true Conjunto legend, Jose "Pico" Ramirez. Best known as one of the original members of Ruben Naranjo y Los Gamblers from Alice, Texas, Pico supplied strong but intricate bajo sexto to Naranjo's simple, yet elegant accordion, as well as second voice harmonies that were second to none. This sound made the group famous and their personal interactions with fans made them beloved.

As you will hear in the introduction, this was a very personal interview for Baldomero and one that he planned on re-doing, but he never got the chance. Pico Ramirez passed away on June 3, 2020, leaving behind a legendary musical legacy in Conjunto music, many fans, and a family who loved him very much.

We hope you enjoy getting to know one of the unsung heroes of Conjunto music and hearing some of our favorite selections from his time with Los Gamblers and a couple of his last recordings with his sons.

Chano Cadena passed away yesterday, September 19, 2025 at age 87. This interview was recorded in October 2011.

He was a Texas music legend, pure and simple. Recognized for his longevity and technical skill, he is admired by fans and colleagues alike. A hall of famer several times over, he played and toured with all of the legends, even a very young Ruben Naranjo back in the early 1960s.

Chano was the first interview on our famous tour of the Rio Grande Valley in October 2011. As he welcomed us to his home in Robstown, he gave us the tour of all his awards and framed newspaper articles celebrating his amazing career. He pointed to one trophy in particular, a 4-foot tall award given to him by the Senior Citizens of Concepción, Texas, honoring his 50th year in music.

When we were lining up talent for the Rancho Alegre Conjunto Festival in February 2012, Chano was one of the first people we called and we built the first festival around him and fellow Alice legend Rene Joslin. We also arranged an in-store performance at Antone’s Record Shop, where he delighted a crowd of music lovers of all ages and backgrounds.

Chano was a mainstay at our festival and always came to play when we asked. He continued playing until 2024, and his final public performance was at our festival at the Doris Miller Auditorium. Fellow Conjunto legend Mague Orosco of El Dueto Carta Blanca de George y Mague joined him on stage for a couple of songs, much to the delight of the crowd.

We hope you enjoy this interview with one of Conjunto's best, along with selections from his catalog.

Our hearts go out to la familia Cadena, and his many fans, friends, and fellow musicos who will miss his unique style of playing, birthday phone calls, and jokes. Here's what we played in addition to the interview:

1. Arrancame El Corazon (Conjunto Cadena)
2. En Las Puertas De La Carcel (Conjunto Cadena)
3. Cuatro O Cinco Farolasos (Conjunto Cadena)
4. No Tienes Perdon (Conjunto Cadena)
5. Te Voy A Comprar (Conjunto Cadena)
6. Y Tenia Chiquito El Pie
7. Las Noches Las Hagos Dias
8. El Gambler
9. Huapango Cadena (Live)
10. De Que Es Tu Corazon
11. El Cumbianchero
12. Te Quiero Mucho
13. Indita Mia
14. Alma Rendida
15. Pan De Polvo
16. Gaviota Traidora
17. El Tamborazo
18. Corrido de Oliveira
19. Mi Casa Nueva
20. A Pesar de Tu Engaño
21. Contrabando De El Paso
22. Volveras Por Mi
23. Una Palomita
24. Noche De Cumbia
25. Tragos Amargos
26. La Pronto y Quick
27. Popurri De Clasicos (Live)

Songs played on this episode of Rancho Alegre on KEDA - Saturday 9/6/25:

• Ruben Rivera - La Tormenta
• Gilberto Perez Jr. - Un Mal Entendimiento
• Nick Villarreal - El Mudo
• Los Hermanos Farias - Los Albañiles
• Los Mungiazz - Mujer Perdida
• Los Fantasmas Del Valle - La Rafaela
• Manuel Guerrero - Yo Tenia Dos Corazones
• Conjunto Soliz - La Puerta Negra
• Conjunto Los Pinkys - Flor de Dalia

Break - bedding music: Big Head Todd & the Monsters - Imaginary Ships

• From the Vault: Los Cuatitos Cantu - La Recien Casada
• Rudy Garcia y Los Godfathers - Copas de Agua
• Los Cucuys de Rodney Rodriguez - Ya Volvio La Palomita
• Eddie "Lalo" Torres - Me Voy A Despedir
• La Naturaleza - Ay Amigo
• Los Nuevos Campeones de Ramiro Gonzalez - Cuatro Cartas
• Los Artisticos de Jr. Farias - Mis Locos Desvarios
• Edgar Vasquez y Los Muchachos - A Grito Abierto
• Eddie y Ruben Jimenez - La Cubanita

Break - bedding music: Madreblu - Certamente

Mix of the Day - Chano Cadena

In memory of Ernesto "Teto" Cadena

• Su Mando Le Dijo a Julia
• Soy Virgencita
• Cuando Te Tuve Te Mantuve
• Margarita