Today, August 24th, we commemorate the heavenly birthday of a true musical legend, El Maestro, Salomé Gutiérrez, R., born in D'Hanis, Texas, in 1930. Salome's life and legacy continue to inspire generations of musicians and music enthusiasts around the world.
Salomé Gutiérrez, R. was a multi-talented artist who made a profound impact on the world of Tejano & Conjunto music. His journey began at young age when he started composing songs, igniting a passion that would shape his life and the music industry itself. One of his early milestones was performing live on the XEDF radio station in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico in the late 1940s. During that time two of his compositions, "Aqui Te Quedas" and "Soy Errante," were recorded by Jesus Maya y Timoteo Cantú on Armando Marroquín's Ideal label. These recordings featured future conjunto legends Narciso Martínez and Santiago Almeida.
In 1950, Salomé married Diamantina Treviño, and together, they embarked on a journey that would see them build a remarkable legacy. He balanced operating his construction company during the day with been the Music Producer for Jose A. Morante's, Norteño International Record Label at night.
In the 1960s, with an entrepreneurial spirit, Salomé and his wife began to build on their love of music. By 1964 they had established their own record label, Del Bravo Records, which later became D.L.B. Records. In 1966 they opened the first Del Bravo Record Shop and within seven years had expanded to three stores across San Antonio's West Side.
Then by 1972 he transitioned from construction to music full-time by converting his offices into a recording studio which played a pivotal role in launching the career of Flaco Jiménez.
Throughout his illustrious career, Salomé collaborated with numerous renowned artists, including Lydia Mendoza, Valerio Longoria, Ruben Ramos, Cornelio Reyna, Ramon Ayala, Beatriz Llamas, Rosita Fernandez, Los Norteños de Terán, and Dueto Carta Blanca. He composed over 1,000 songs and recorded approximately 600 at his Del Bravo studio. Some of his most famous compositions include "El Gato Negro," "La Nueva Zenaida," "Kilometro 1160," and "Remordimiento."
At this time he founded San Antonio Music Publishers, Inc., which quickly became the largest independent Latin Music catalog in South Texas.
One remarkable aspect of Salomé's talent was his ability to compose songs in a matter of minutes, often while driving. His creative process was beautifully captured in the 1976 documentary "Chulas Fronteras."
In recognition of his immense contributions to Tejano and Conjunto music, Salomé was inducted into the Tejano Music Hall of Fame in 1983 and received the prestigious Songwriter of the Year award. In 2012, he was honored with induction into the Conjunto Music Hall of Fame at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in San Antonio.
Today, as we celebrate Salomé Gutiérrez, R.'s heavenly birthday, let us remember the extraordinary talent, dedication, and passion that he brought to the world of music. His legacy lives on through his timeless compositions and the indelible mark he left on the hearts of music lovers everywhere.
Please take a moment today to listen to some of the music Salomé has composed and reflect on the enduring impact he has had on our lives and the world of music. Also, take a listen to a song titled "Dime" written and performed by Salomé himself.