SAN ANTONIO — Carrying one of the most recognizable names in Tejano music, Rigo Navaira is taking his family’s legacy to one of the biggest stages in the country.
The son of Grammy-nominated Tejano artist Raulito Navaira and nephew of Grammy award winning Tejano icon Emilio Navaira, Rigo recently moved to Nashville to pursue his own music career. While “Music City” is known for country music, Rigo hopes to introduce audiences to the sounds and culture of South Texas through crossover Tejano and Country music.
“I’ve been bringing a little bit of the Tejano up there as well. Some people see me, and I guess they automatically think that I speak Spanish, so they request Spanish songs, and I start singing them, and they love it. Honestly, they love it. It’s different to be out there singing Spanish on Broadway. This is Nashville, Music City, home of the Grand Ole Opry, and it’s been a great experience.”
Raised on San Antonio’s South Side, Rigo says his musical influences ranged from Ramón Ayala and Los Tigres del Norte to George Strait and The Beatles. That blend of Tejano and country has shaped his sound and his mission to share his Texas roots with new audiences.
“I grew up Tejano. I grew up in Texas. We listened to Ramón Ayala, but we also listened to George Strait. We listened to Los Tigres del Norte, but also The Beatles. It’s a great mix, and to bring a little piece of San Antonio to Tennessee is a blessing.”
Along with performing his own music, Rigo also honors his family’s legacy through the Emilio Navaira Tribute Band, performing alongside his cousins at venues across the country, including Las Vegas, the Tejano Convention and Bustamante, Mexico. The tribute celebrates the life and music of his uncle, Emilio Navaira, the Grammy-winning entertainer known as the “King of Tejano” and often called the “Garth Brooks of Tejano.”
For Rigo’s father, Raulito Navaira, watching his son continue the family’s musical tradition is a proud moment.
“Very proud. I’m kind of reliving my past through him. Seeing people dance to the music brings back great memories. As a parent, it feels good that he’s following in the same musical footsteps that my brother and I did.”
As Rigo builds his own career in Nashville, he hopes every performance introduces new listeners to Tejano music while honoring the legacy that inspired him. Every performance is another chance to bring a piece of San Antonio and the sound of South Texas, to Music City.