SAN ANTONIO – Tejano music legend Ram Herrera has spent decades entertaining fans, but during a recent visit on “Pickup Lines” with KSAT’s Ernie Zuniga, he reflected on the struggles, memories and people who helped shape his career.
Herrera recalled growing up in San Antonio in a family that did not have much money but was rich in love. He said he did not meet his father until he was about 4 or 5 years old because his father had been hospitalized with tuberculosis and emphysema.
Music became an important part of Herrera’s life at an early age. He said he struggled with a severe stutter as a child, but when he sang, the words came out clearly.
“It was like therapy for me,” Herrera said, adding that singing helped pull him out of his shell.
Herrera also shared memories of attending McCollum High School with fellow Tejano star Emilio Navaira. The two sang together in choir and later performed at an Episcopal church on Sundays. Herrera said he was already earning money singing with bands by the time he was 14 or 15.
His career would eventually put him on some of the biggest stages in Texas. Herrera recalled performing with Selena at the Astrodome and opening for George Strait. He said he first met Selena when she was just 9 years old and remembered watching her career take off.
More recently, Herrera faced one of his toughest challenges after a cancer scare involving Stage 4 prostate cancer and his lymph nodes. He underwent 28 straight days of treatment and admitted there was a point when he considered walking away from music. Herrera credits his wife, family, friends and fans with giving him the strength to keep going.
Now, he says the crowds are still coming — and once he steps on stage, the challenges of traveling and performing disappear.
“There’s nothing like it,” Herrera said.
Watch the full Pickup Lines with Ram Herrera in the video player above.
More Pickup Lines episodes:
Ernie Zuniga started Pickup Lines, a digital talk show, straight from his vehicle. The segments feature a diverse range of guests, including executives, small business owners, and everyday individuals, as they share personal journeys, news, and stories.
Copyright 2026 by KSAT – All rights reserved.