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Gilbert “Gibby” Velasquez, Tejano music’s prolific producer/recording engineer, was on hand at the 43rd Tejano Music Awards to “pass the torch,” so to speak with his presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to the iconic songwriter and musician Beto Ramon, who has penned many of Tejano music’s most beloved hits.
Velasquez, president of Velasquez Music and last year’s Tejano Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, spoke about the controversy surrounding the withdrawal of the Lifetime Achievement Award for popular Tejano vocalist Joe Lopez, co-founder of iconic band Mazz and convicted sex offender.
“Joe, you know, the court found him this way or that way,” Velasquez said. “He did some time, but some people aren’t good with that so that’s where the cards fall. They made the decision to pass on it in order to hopefully not create a big ruckus here tonight.”
“So, the guy, is he deserving,” Velasquez continued. “I think he’s deserving, but maybe another day.”
The friendly and talkative Velasquez also spoke about his role and his use of new technology in the Tortilla Factory re-recording of the song, “Somos Novios,” which was re-created as a duet between the late former lead singer, Gilbert DeAnda, and his cousin, pop singer Paula DeAnda.
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