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Muna Tengi
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The Top 8 Musicians From El Paso, Texas
El Paso, Texas, a city that sits on the U.S.-Mexico border, has a unique cultural and musical heritage. Known for its blend of American and Mexican influences, El Paso has been the birthplace and launching pad for many musicians who have gone on to have impactful careers across various genres. Whether through rock, country, classical, or Latin music, these artists have helped put El Paso on the musical map. In this post, we’ll explore some of the top musicians from El Paso, whose contributions to the music industry have been as diverse as the city itself.
1. Khalid
One of the most prominent musicians to emerge from El Paso in recent years is Khalid, the multi-platinum R&B singer and songwriter. Born in Georgia but raised in El Paso, Khalid exploded onto the scene in 2017 with his debut album American Teen, which included hit singles like “Location” and “Young Dumb & Broke.” His smooth voice and relatable lyrics quickly made him a favorite in the R&B and pop music world. Khalid's sound, a mix of laid-back, soulful R&B with pop sensibilities, has earned him multiple Grammy nominations, and he has gone on to collaborate with artists like Billie Eilish, Halsey, and Marshmello.
Khalid’s deep connection to El Paso is evident in his work, as he often speaks about the city’s influence on his music and identity. He even made headlines for organizing a benefit concert for the victims of the tragic 2019 Walmart shooting in El Paso, further solidifying his status as a local hero.
2. Marty Robbins
Though Marty Robbins is more closely associated with Arizona and Nashville, his roots in El Paso are undeniable. Robbins, a legendary country music singer, became famous for his "El Paso" trilogy of songs: “El Paso,” “Feleena (From El Paso),” and “El Paso City.” The ballad “El Paso,” released in 1959, won a Grammy and became a country classic. Robbins’ evocative storytelling and fusion of country and Western music captured the essence of life in the Southwest, making him a revered figure in both country music and El Paso history.
3. At The Drive-In
For rock music fans, the post-hardcore band At The Drive-In is a must-mention when discussing El Paso’s music scene. Formed in El Paso in 1993, the band gained a cult following for their energetic live performances and genre-defying sound. Their 2000 album Relationship of Command is considered a landmark in the post-hardcore genre, influencing countless bands in the years that followed.
The band's members, including lead singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala and guitarist Omar Rodríguez-López, went on to form the experimental rock band The Mars Volta after At The Drive-In disbanded. However, the band reunited in 2012 and again in 2016, reminding fans of their lasting influence on the alternative and indie rock scenes. At The Drive-In's connection to El Paso's raw, border-town energy is a key part of their identity and sound.
4. The Mars Volta
While At The Drive-In laid the foundation for Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodríguez-López's future success, The Mars Volta took their musical exploration to even greater heights. The progressive rock band, formed after At The Drive-In disbanded, was known for its experimental sound, complex compositions, and philosophical lyrics. The Mars Volta's 2003 debut album De-Loused in the Comatorium received widespread critical acclaim, with many hailing it as a masterpiece of modern progressive rock. Their music was inspired by a wide range of influences, from jazz to Latin American rhythms, showcasing the eclectic backgrounds of the band members.
Though The Mars Volta has since disbanded, their influence remains strong, particularly in progressive and experimental rock circles. Much like their previous band, The Mars Volta's connection to El Paso helped define their sound, infusing elements of the border town’s culture and atmosphere into their music.
5. Vikki Carr
Born Florencia Bisenta de Casillas-Martinez Cardona in El Paso, Vikki Carr is a Grammy Award-winning singer who gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s for her versatile voice and cross-genre appeal. Carr started her career as a pop singer, but she found her greatest success singing in Spanish, particularly with her performances of Mexican rancheras and boleros. Songs like “It Must Be Him” and “With Pen in Hand” helped solidify her status as a star in both English and Spanish-speaking markets.
Carr has been honored with several Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards over the years and continues to be celebrated for her contributions to both American pop and Latin music. As one of the most famous Latina singers to come from El Paso, Carr's career is a testament to the city’s multicultural influence on its musicians.
6. Frontera Bugalu
Frontera Bugalu is an El Paso-based band known for its unique blend of Latin music, cumbia, and other traditional Mexican sounds with modern elements. The band’s music captures the essence of El Paso’s border culture, combining rhythms and sounds that reflect the fusion of Mexican and American identities. Frontera Bugalu has gained a dedicated following in the El Paso area and beyond, performing at numerous festivals and events. Their music speaks to the heart of the border town’s culture, making them one of the most beloved local acts.
7. Jim Ward
Jim Ward is an El Paso musician best known for his work as a guitarist and vocalist with At The Drive-In and Sparta, two influential post-hardcore bands. After At The Drive-In's breakup, Ward formed Sparta in 2001, carrying forward his passion for melodic yet intense rock music. Sparta’s sound is more straightforward than At The Drive-In’s experimental style, but it remains deeply rooted in the post-hardcore genre that Ward helped define.
In addition to his work with Sparta, Jim Ward has also pursued a solo career, showcasing a more introspective and acoustic side of his songwriting. Ward’s connection to El Paso remains strong, and he often credits the city’s unique culture and geography as key influences on his music.
8. Fito Olivares
For fans of Tejano and cumbia music, Fito Olivares is a household name. Though originally from Mexico, Olivares and his band, La Pura Sabrosura, became synonymous with the Texas cumbia scene, gaining popularity in El Paso and across the state. Olivares is best known for his hit “Juana la Cubana,” which has become a staple at parties and dances throughout the Southwest. His upbeat and infectious style helped popularize cumbia music in the United States, making him a beloved figure in El Paso’s music community.
Conclusion
El Paso’s music scene is as diverse as the city itself. From the soulful R&B of Khalid to the experimental rock of At The Drive-In and The Mars Volta, the city has produced a wide range of musical talent across genres. The border-town influence, blending Mexican and American cultures, is a common thread that runs through much of the music from El Paso. As the city continues to grow, its musicians will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of music, both in Texas and beyond.
