Biography
Roger Velasquez
San Antonio Recording Artist
In the 1980’s Roger was recruited by Hollywood actor Jesse Borrego (Fame, 24, Con Air, A Brave New World, Blood in Blood Out) to direct his Latin Funk Conjunto, Los Muertos. Los Muertos made candid appearances on MTV’s Street Party hosted by Daisy Fuentes and Univision’s Bailando Con Franco.
In the 1995 Lupita Productions film, El Sueno de Simon Roger composed, arranged, and produced an entire movie soundtrack, for up and coming Director James Borrego. Compelled to compose for theater and cinema, Roger was commissioned to write a highly emotional work “Mal Hombre” for Hollywood Pictures/Walt Disney Production Bound by Honor/Blood in Blood Out, for Oscar Winning Director Taylor Hackford (Ray, An Officer and a Gentleman and La Bamba).
A versatile musician, Roger’s talents were refined gigging with such greats as the late Rodney J of the world famous Marcel’s as well as recording with Capitol/EMI Latino’s legendary The Latin Breed as featured vocalist on the albums Born to Play, Reunion ,and Original Masters. Grammy Award Winning Producer Bob Gallarza of On the Edge Productions featured Roger on his En Familia album. His indubitable talent also earned him the opportunity of a seat on the Tejano Music Awards Orchestra in the 1990’s.
In August 2005, Roger performed In Las Vegas for the Tejano Music National Convention Revue at the Rio Hotel and Casino Convention Center alongside Bob Gallarza. Also in 2005, Roger was a featured performer alongside Ram Herrera, Adalberto Gallegos, and Jimmy Edwards for the 2005 National Hispanic Contractor’s Convention in Fort Worth, TX. Roger’s adaptability has shown in performance after performance whether live or on line in the studio.
In 2006, Bob Gallarza was nominated for a Grammy Award for the album entitled Bob Gallarza Live in Session featuring Roger Velasquez. Roger has also worked with arranger/producer Jim Waller of the famed Los Blues of Digital Image Studios on a collection of original compositions. As a published artist, Roger is registered with BMI. The Latin Legends, were nominated for Best Band 2006 by the Tejano Academy of Musicians and Artists.
In the spring of 2007, Roger appears as special guest vocalist on Ram Herrera & the Outlaw Band 2007 album on the song entitled me “Mejor Amigo”. Ram recorded three of Rogers original compositions including the number one hit song Trago Profundo, Mi Mejor Amigo and Con El Favor de Dios. Roger returned to Las Vegas in August 2007 to perform with Bob and Jimmy Edward at The Las Vegas Hilton and Convention Center.
In 2008 Roger was nominated for four Tejano Academy Awards including the categories of Best Album, Best Songwriter, Best Overall Group and Best Guitar Player. Roger was the 2008 Orchestra Leader for the Tejano Academy of Musicians & Artist Awards Orchestra. In March 2008 Roger performed for the first annual Luminaria Arts Night In San Antonio on the main stage as a featured performer with his friend Bob Gallarza directing the Latin Legends. In Spring 2008, Roger released a solo album Quiero Besarte produced by Grammy award winners Bob Gallarza for on the Edge Productions and engineered by Gilbert Velasquez of Velasquez Music Studio. Roger performed with the Latin Legends for the San Antonio Public Library’s Chicano Renaissance exhibit. Roger appears on KSAT-12 ‘s Tejano y Mas with host Gabriel Zavala, the Tejano Academy Awards Show, he performed on Fox KABB Television’s Morning Show and KENS TV Great Day SA Christmas Special.
In January 2009, Roger appears again on KSAT-12’s Tejano y Mas with his band The Latin Legends performing the title cut from his album Quiero Besarte. In August 2009 Roger and his band were featured artists at the Milwukee Mexican Fiesta and the Tejano National Music Convention in Dallas, TX. Roger is also featured On the Edge Productions 2009 release On Common Ground alongside Jay Perez, Ram Herrera, Stefani Montiel, Jimmy Edward, Chente Barrera and Gabriel Olvera. In October 2009 Roger Velasquez and the Latin Legends were the featured performers for famed Chicano artist Jesse Trevino’s “Mi Vida” opening at the Smithsonian’s Museo Alameda.
Roger Velasquez and the Latin Legends ushered in 2010 performing for the Tejano Legends Black and White Ball at the El Paso County Coliseum in EL Paso, TX. In February 2010 Roger and the band performed for the Hispanic Heritage Committee in Kansas City, KS.
In the spring of 2010 Roger Velasquez released his second solo album Toma Mi Corazon for V-Discos. Toma Mi Corazon is a collection of Roger’s favorites, which include seven original songs. Roger displays his musical knowledge in the arrangements of all ten pieces, but not without help from eight time Grammy Award Winning Producer Gilbert Velasquez and friends Jimmy Edward and David Lee Garza.
In the summer of 2010 Roger was a featured performer for the 30th Annual Tejano Music Awards (The Latin Breed Tribute). Roger appeared as a featured performer for the Racine Mexican Fiesta, Racine Wisconsin. August 28, 2010 Roger’s music video Mariposa Tracionera was featured on Tejano y Mas. In the fall of 2010 Roger Velasquez Roger once again was a featured artist at Una Noche de La Gloria.
“ My music is given to you straight from the heart, in hopes that we can share in the joy and suffering that unites us as human beings.” Always from the heart, the work of Roger Velasquez and the Latin Legends never misses a beat in satisfying the listener. “I invite one and all to join with me in the celebration of life, love, and the pursuit of music.”
Roger Velasquez album "Toma Mi Corazon" has been submitted for consideration for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards in Latin Field 12, Category 61, and his profile can be viewed by members on www.Grammy365.com under member profile: Roger Velasquez.
Affiliations:
Voting Member, The Recording Academy, Texas Chapter
Voting Member, Latin Recording Academy (LARAS)
The Contemporary Art & Literature Organization (CALO)
Member LULAC
Roger Velasquez’ debut solo CD “Quiero Besarte” and his second CD "Toma Mi Corazon" for V-Discos are in stores now, and can be ordered at www.icelatino.com.
For more information on Roger Velasquez, visit his website at www.RogerVelasquez.net.
To book Roger Velasquez email: vdiscos@live.com.
