Gary Hobbs

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For the fictional character, see Garry Hobbs.

Gary Hobbs
Born (1960-01-05) January 5, 1960 (age 64)
Amarillo, Texas
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, piano, guitar, keyboards
Years active1976 (1976)–present
Spouse
Diana
​
(m. 1980)​
Children
  • Gary Lee Hobbs III
  • Kimberlee Diane
Parents
  • Gary Lee Hobbs
  • Anita Hobbs
Musical career
Genres
Sony Discos
  • AMMX
  • Freddie Records
    • Websitewww.garyhobbs.com

    Gary Lee Hobbs (born January 5, 1960) is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor. Called "Tejano music's Vince Gill", he has been widely recognized for his resonant baritone vocals, characterized by their emotive quality, and is considered a pioneer within the genre. Hobbs played a significant role in the expansion of Tejano music during the 1990s and became one of the most popular Tejano singers of the 1980s and 1990s.

    Hobbs started playing piano and guitar at seven or eight and played the trumpet in high school. He played with local groups before forming the Hot Sauce band with Brando Mireles, recording songs for Hacienda Records, and taking the role of lead vocalist in 1983. At the 1984 Mike Chavez Music Awards, Hobbs received the award for Most Promising Vocalist. His songs, "Mentiras" and "Las Miradas", achieved commercial success and critical acclaim. By the late 1980s, Hobbs became one of the most popular Tejano singers following "La Miradas" ascending to number one on the Tejano Singles chart in 1991 and signed with

    EMI Latin. Ta Vas a Acordar (1993), was certified gold for reaching sales of 50,000 units, and its titular track peaked at number one on Radio y Musica's Tejano Singles chart for nine weeks, the second-most weeks a song spent atop the chart in 1995. In a strategic endeavor to promote Hobbs in Mexico, EMI Latin rebranded his band from Hot Sauce to Grupo Mezquite in August 1994. Te Vas a Acordar ended 1994 as the 13th best-selling Regional Mexican Album
    in the United States.

    Hobbs released Soy el Mismo in 1995, while it received a mixed response from

    BMI
    Songwriters Award in 1998 for "Buscando Un Amor" and "Corazon Ardiente" and in 1999 for "Comprendeme".

    By 2001, Hobbs became independent and released subsequent albums through his AMMX label. At the

    Poncho Nevarez
    , for his contributions to Tejano music. In recognition of his humanitarian contributions, Hobbs was awarded the Humanitarian Award by the Tejano Entertainers and Musicians Association Awards (TEMA) in 1999.

    Career

    1960–1982: Early life and career beginnings

    Gary Lee Hobbs, Jr. was born two months prematurely on January 5, 1960, at the

    Monclova, Coahuila,[6] while his maternal grandfather played the trumpet.[5] During his youth, Hobbs often watched his mother perform as a singer,[5] and was exposed to classical music.[7]

    At the age of seven or eight,[a] Hobbs started playing the piano and later learned to play the guitar.[9] He also played the trumpet in his high school choir and was a soloist for his church's choir in 1971.[2] Before performing with Brando Mireles, a former keyboardist from Mazz, between 1977 and 1980,[b] Hobbs played with local groups such as Chicano Breed and Starlight.[3][10] Together, they formed the Hot Sauce Band and began recording songs for Hacienda Records in May 1983.[11] Hobbs took on the role of lead singer and later learned to play the keyboards.[12] The name "Hot Sauce" came about when Mireless suggested it while adding hot sauce to his food, realizing that the group did not have a name for an upcoming show. Initially, Hobbs didn't like the name and considered it "the stupidest name I ever heard in my life".[1]

    1983–1990: Early success with Hacienda Records

    Promoters referred to Hobbs as "the lady killer" of

    EMI Latin's compilation, Five Branding Irons (1992). The track was intended for inclusion on Hobbs' Solo Estas Noche (1992), though was omitted from the final tracklist, a lucrative misstep according to Cabrera.[19] Hobbs recorded the song after listening to Lupita D'Alessio's rendition.[20]

    Hobbs was nominated for Best Male Vocalist at the 1988 Mike Chavez Music Awards.

    1989 Tejano Music Awards, Hobbs amassed nominations for Single of the Year with "Quiero Ser Tu Amor", Song of the Year for "Ensenar a Querer", Male Entertainer of the Year, and Un Momento was nominated for Album of the Year – Orchestra.[22] By 1988, Hobbs became one of the most popular Tejano singers.[23]

    At the 1990 Tejano Music Awards, Hobbs was nominated for Male Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.[24] By 1990, promoters dubbed him "the blue-eyed sensation".[25] On the week ending December 13, 1990, "Vas a Pagar" made its entry into the Tejano Singles chart at number ten,[26] as did "Las Miradas" the following week.[27] "Las Miradas" reached number two for seven nonconsecutive weeks beginning in the week of January 24, 1991,[c] before peaking at number one on the week ending June 20.[35]

    1991–1998: Commercial success with EMI Latin

    In 1991, Hobbs signed a six-figure contract with EMI Latin.[1][2] At the 1992 Tejano Music Awards, "Las Miradas" was nominated for both Song of the Year and Single of the Year. The singer's eponymous album received a nomination for Album of the Year, while Hobbs was a contender for Male Entertainer of the Year.[36] In May 1992, Hobbs released Solo Esta Noche,[19] which featured "Amame y Besame", which peaked at number one on the Tejano Singles chart on the week ending August 20, 1992.[37] It garnered the nomination for Song of the Year, while Hobbs received the nomination for Male Entertainer of the Year, and Solo Esta Noche received the nomination for Album of the Year.[38] Hobbs recorded "Recordemos" and "Paz Esta Navidad" for the Christmas compilation, Christmas in Texas (1992).[39] Suzy Banks of Texas Monthly, noted that comprehending the emotional pleas conveyed in "Paz Esta Navidad" does not necessitate an understanding of the Spanish language, as listeners can apprehend Hobbs sentiments through his vocal delivery.[40] In April 1993, Gary Hobbs Live was released.[41]

    In March 1994, Hobbs recorded a

    mesquite tree, flourishes in his hometown and symbolizes his heritage. The singer commenced negotiations with Apodcada Promotions to secure management and booking arrangements in Mexico.[47] As a jest, Hobbs would refer to his band as "the usual suspects", a phrase from the film Casablanca (1942), which reminded him of the constant turnover of its members.[1]

    "Te Vas a Acordar" (1993)
    "Te Vas a Acordar" garnered the nominations for the Tejano Music Award for Song of the Year and Single of the Year at the 1995 Tejano Music Awards, and spent nine weeks at number one on Radio y Musica's Tejano Singles chart.
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    At the 1995 Tejano Music Awards, "Te Vas a Acordar" garnered nominations for Song of the Year and Single of the Year, while Hobbs received a nomination for Male Entertainer of the Year, and Te Vas a Acordar was nominated for Album of the Year.[48][49] By May 1995, Te Vas a Acordar had sold 90,000 units,[50] and its titular track spent nine weeks at number one on Radio y Musica's Tejano Singles chart, securing the second-longest song that year, behind Selena's "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" (1994), which spent 13 weeks at the top spot.[50] Within the album, "La Miradas", features a lyrical narrative that depicts the captivating gaze a woman employs to ensnare a man's affection, while the title track delves into the intricacies of lost love.[51] Te Vas a Acordar ended 1994 as the 13th best-selling regional Mexican album and the 34th best-selling Latin album in the United States.[52] "Tu Me Haces Sentir" made its debut at number 49 on the US Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, the week ending September 16, 1995,[53] and became known as one of the most popular Tejano singers.[54]

    Hobbs released Sol el Mismo on March 7, 1995,

    Regional Mexican Songs chart, on the week ending May 20, 1995.[58] "Chiquitita" peaked at number 34 on the Hot Latin Songs chart, on the week ending February 11, 1995.[59] "Por Favor Corazon" ended 1995 as the second-best Tejano single on Radio y Musica, while "Tu Me Haces Sentir" was the 13th-best Tejano single of 1995.[60] "Por Favor Corazon" was nominated for Song of the Year while Hobbs was nominated for Male Entertainer of the Year at the 1996 Tejano Music Awards.[61]

    Writing for

    Top Latin Albums chart.[64] Soy el Mismo rose to number seven and debuted at number three on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart, taking the greatest gain in sales for the week ending April 1, 1995.[65] Chito de la Torre of La Prensa, found the album's title ironic, considering the singer's transformation in image and the renaming of his band as part of his pursuit to establish a presence in Mexico. According to de la Torre, this transition became apparent when the singer donned Western attire at the 1995 Tejano Music Awards.[66]

    Following the release of Hobbs' album, Corazon Ardiente (1996), Cabrera perceived a departure from the customary style that Hobbs typically imbues into his musical offerings, finding Corazon Ardiente to surpass Soy el Mismo in terms of its impact. The lead single, "Buscando Un Amor", was released on June 27, 1996. Cabrera characterizes Hobbs' signature style throughout the album as melodic, polished, and engaging, exemplifying his artistry.[3] At the 1997 Tejano Music Awards, Hobbs was nominated for Song of the Year for "Buscando Un Amor", while its album received the nomination for Album of the Year, and Hobbs was nominated for Male Vocalist and Male Entertainer of the Year.[67] In 1996, Hobbs signed a contract with Coca-Cola,[68] who subsequently became sponsors for his tours.[69] "Buscando Un Amor" peaked at number 24 on the Hot Latin Songs chart and number 11 on the Regional Mexican Songs chart, in the week ending September 7, 1996. "Corazon Ardiente" peaked at number 41 on the Hot Latin Songs chart, in the week ending August 3, 1996. In 1997, Hobbs secured a role in the film Lost Cowboy,[70] and in April 1998, he released Solo Es Un Sueno.[23]

    1998–2000: Label change to Sony Discos

    The popularity of Tejano music witnessed a decline in the aftermath of Selena's shooting death in March 1995, prompting major record labels to adopt a cautious approach in their dealings with Tejano singers, given the declining sales within the genre.[71] In response, Hobbs established his own record label and studio, Faith Digital Recording Studio,[9] circumventing the conservative strategies employed by major labels in response to the diminishing sales of Tejano music.[71]

    In September 1998, Hobbs's contract with EMI Latin expired, leading him to sign with

    Sony Discos.[72] Hobbs expressed his belief that Sony would offer him the professional support he needed as an artist, facilitating the realization of his personal aspirations.[73] Hobbs received the BMI Songwriters Award in 1998 for "Buscando Un Amor" and "Corazon Ardiente",[74] while he and Carlos Javier Castillon were awarded the 1999 BMI Songwriters award for "Comprendeme".[75] Hobbs released Mirame a Mi, his debut with Sony, featuring songs penned by Humberto Ramon with arrangement handled by Mireles.[76] The singer was garnered sponsorship from Churches Fried Chicken and Sears.[10]

    At the

    2000 United States Presidential Election. The album's commercial impact instilled a sense of restlessness and was the first album to elicit concern from him. Sueno de Mi Corazon featured additions of the saxophone, accordion, and digitally altered vocals. While expressing a desire to explore Latin Christian music, Hobbs lamented Sony's reluctance to allow the release of both a Tejano and Christian album simultaneously, citing the need to avoid overlapping ventures.[81]

    "Sueno De Mi Corazon" garnered a nomination for Song of the Year at the 2001 Tejano Music Awards.[83] "Simplemente Amigos" entered the top 20 on the Tejano Singles chart, while "Sueno de Mi Corazon" reached the top ten.[84] "Dime Que Soy Tuyo" reached number four on the Tejano Singles chart,[85] before peaking at number two in the week ending September 7, 2001.[86]

    2001–2022: Independent with AMMX

    By 2001, Hobbs became independent and released subsequent albums through his AMMX label (abbreviated for Americano Mexicano).

    Wal-Mart and other department stores.[7] Aguiree remained under Hobbs's management for two to three years.[11] Recognizing Hobbs' 19-year tenure as a Tejano Music Award nominee without a win, Nicole Brambila of San Angelo Standard-Times, hailed him as "one of the most versatile singers" in the Tejano market.[51] Hobbs expressed to Brambila that the absence of a Tejano Music Award was "one thing that eluded me".[51] Seeking to break new ground, the singer released Cosas del Destino on October 8, 2002, showcasing a fusion of norteño, grupo, and Tejano styles. This approach was inspired by Hobbs's admiration of these fusions he witnessed during performances on Univision and Telemundo.[87]

    By October 2003, Hobbs expanded his business by taking on managerial roles for Tokante, a norteño and Tejano group. Amidst the production of Ayer y Hoy, Hobbs shared with Rose Ybarra of The Monitor, his sense of optimism and excitement, asserting that he felt "really good about it" and eagerly anticipated its completion.[87] The album was released in February 2004,[87] and was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2005 Tejano Music Awards.[88] Hobbs's subsequent release, Esperando Tu Llamada (2005), presented a collection of ballad-infused tracks, while Por Ti released in August 2006, showcased a return to a more traditional Tejano sound infused with "old-school influence".[89] In 2007, Hobbs extended his label's roster by signing Da Krazy Pimps, solidifying a four-year contract.[90]

    Hobbs garnered recognition in September 2011 at the Mike Chavez Music Awards, which returned after a 14-year hiatus, for his contributions to Tejano music.

    Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", "I'll Be Home for Christmas", "Jingle Bells", and "Here Comes Santa Claus". While Eduardo Martinez of The Monitor regarded the album as somewhat ordinary, he praised Hobbs' exceptional vocal abilities on the album.[92] In 2013, Hobbs lent his voice to "La Barca" as part of David Lee Garza's Just Friends album, which won a Grammy Award for Best Tejano Album.[5] The singer released Recuerdo...De Mi Madre in 2016, featuring recordings that his mother would often perform, dedicating the album to her.[11] At the 2017 Tejano Music Awards, Hobbs was nominated for Song of the Year for "Amor Enterno" while he received a nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year.[93] On September 23, 2019, Hobbs released "Lo Que Amo", the lead single from the album of the same name.[94] In 2019, he collaborated with Rick Fuentes on "Toda Una Vida" for Fuentes' Tribute (2019) album.[95]

    On April 17, 2020, Hobbs released "Tu Eres Mi Reina", John Henry Medina of Tejano Nation, praised it as an "upbeat [and] uplifting ranchera".[96] Hobbs won Male Entertainer of the Year at the 2020 Tejano Music Awards, calling it a remarkable milestone that he checked off his bucket list.[97] On August 31, 2021, Hobbs launched his podcast Hanging With Gary, with co-host Johnny Davila, through his website.[98]

    2022–present: Tenure under Freddie Records

    On April 20, 2022, Hobbs signed with Freddie Records,[99] despite having his own label, he recognized the track record of Freddie Records in securing radio airplay for their artists.[100] In September 2022, Hobbs collaborated with Kary Karina on the recording "Que Lastima".[101] Hobbs released Sin Fin on December 30, 2022, his first album with Freddie Records and his first recording in three years.[100] The lead single, "Que Daria", a mid-tempo Tejano cumbia track, was released in December 2022.[100] "Que Daria" garnered acclaim for its catchy sing-along chorus, Hobbs' vocal performance, and the production value that featured layered brass, keyboards, and accordion fills. The music video was released on April 20, 2023.[102] Hobbs and Kary Karina received a Collaboration of the Year nomination for "Que Lastima" at the third Premios Tejano Mundial in 2023.[103]

    At the 2023 Tejano Music Awards, Sin Fin was nominated for Album of the Year.[104]

    Personal life

    In 1980, Hobbs married Diana,

    beefmaster cattle.[9]

    Hobbs drew inspiration from Latin Breed, the Royal Jesters, Jimmy Edward, Adalberto Gallegos, and David Marez.[5] Apart from music, he also has a passion for playing baseball.[1] Called "Tejano's Vince Gill",[105] Hobbs is recognized for his baritone vocal range,[65] expressive,[106] and resonant vocals,[107] and is considered to possess the "smoothest voice" in the genre.[10] He is regarded as a pioneer in Tejano music,[10] contributing to the genre's growth throughout the 1990s,[78] and one of the most popular Tejano singers of the 1980s and 1990s.[87][108] His songs often feature compelling romantic narratives,[64] characterized by a smooth, nightclub ambiance featuring relaxed yet rhythmic and enticing melodies.[109] Hobbs frequently performs cumbia, ranchera, and old rock songs transitioning between swooning love songs and lively cumbias.[107] Known for his versatile role as a producer, composer, musician, and vocalist, he is known for enticing fans with his Tex-Mex rhythms and pop arrangements.[23] His band is known for delivering captivating performances on stage.[78]

    Philanthropy

    Hobbs participated in the charitable event held at the Red Bluff Studios in September 1989, contributing to the fundraising efforts dedicated to supporting youth programs and scholarships for

    AIDS and scholarships benefiting LGBT Hispanics.[111] In July 1991, Hobbs performed for the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP), engaging in a statewide campaign to promote citizen registration and encourage voting.[112] In April 1994, Hobbs took part in a benefit dance organized for The Head Start P.T.O.[113] In October 1995, Hobbs performed for The United Students Club fundraiser at Austin Junior High and advocated for a drug-free lifestyle.[114] In recognition of his humanitarian endeavors, Hobbs was awarded the Humanitarian Award by the Tejano Entertainers and Musicians Association Awards (TEMA) in 1999.[115] Since 1999,[116] Hobbs has consistently performed at H-E-B's annual Feast of Sharing on Christmas Eve, an event based in Corpus Christi, Texas, where they provide meals for 10,000 people each year.[116]

    Hobbs collaborated with other Tejano artists for a free concert aimed at senior citizens held at the

    Poncho Nevarez, for his contributions to Tejano music.[118] In 2021, Hobbs appeared as a guest artist on Tejano America, a program sponsored by AARP.[119] In April 2023, Hobbs delivered a live performance at the Baile Del Sol, a free concert held in Brownsville, Texas.[120]

    Discography

    See also

    Notes

    1. ^ Age seven,[8] age eight.[9]
    2. ^ 1977,[3] 1980.[2]
    3. ^ Week of January 24,[28] January 31,[29] February 7,[30] March 14,[31] March 21,[32] May 16,[33] and June 13, 1991.[34]

    References

    1. ^ a b c d e f g Cruz 2019.
    2. ^ a b c d Burr 1999b, p. 108.
    3. ^ a b c d Cabrera 1996b, p. 53.
    4. ^ Medina 2019a.
    5. ^ a b c d e Peaches 2017.
    6. ^ a b c Maldonado 1995b, p. 56.
    7. ^ a b Rodriguez 2002, p. 27.
    8. ^ Burr 1999, p. 108.
    9. ^ a b c d Jaklewicz 1998, p. 54.
    10. ^ a b c d e Anon. 2023b, p. 1.
    11. ^ a b c Gurl 2017.
    12. ^ Kestler 1990, p. 77.
    13. ^ Anon. 1983a, p. 26.
    14. ^ Anon. 1983c, p. 34.
    15. ^ Anon. 1983b, p. 15.
    16. ^ Anon. 1984a, p. 4.
    17. ^ Anon. 1984b, p. 33.
    18. ^ Anon. 1984c, p. 28.
    19. ^ a b c Cabrera 1992a, p. 73.
    20. ^ Medina 1997, p. 1C.
    21. ^ Peterson 1988, p. 69.
    22. ^ Anon. 1989a, p. 13.
    23. ^ a b c Maldonado 1998, p. 53.
    24. ^ Jaklewicz 1989, p. 18.
    25. ^ Anon. 1990a, p. 27.
    26. ^ Anon. 1990b, p. 121.
    27. ^ Anon. 1990c, p. 108.
    28. ^ Anon. 1991a, p. 83.
    29. ^ Anon. 1991b, p. 89.
    30. ^ Anon. 1991c, p. 77.
    31. ^ Anon. 1991d, p. 94.
    32. ^ Anon. 1991e, p. 97.
    33. ^ Anon. 1991f, p. 101.
    34. ^ Anon. 1991g, p. 113.
    35. ^ Anon. 1991h, p. 91.
    36. ^ Anon. 1992a, p. 15.
    37. ^ Anon. 1992b, p. 99.
    38. ^ Anon. 1992c, p. 58.
    39. ^ Cabrera 1992b, p. 89.
    40. ^ Banks 2000, p. 132.
    41. ^ Burr 1993, p. 52.
    42. ^ Maldonado 1994a, p. 1.
    43. ^ Burr 1994, p. 104.
    44. ^ Anon. 1993a, p. 107.
    45. ^ Anon. 1994a, p. 90.
    46. ^ Cabrera 1994, p. 76.
    47. ^ Maldonado 1994b, p. 75.
    48. ^ Cabrera 1995, p. 37.
    49. ^ Tarradell 1995, p. 21.
    50. ^ a b c d Maldonado 1995b, p. 67.
    51. ^ a b c Brambila 2002, p. 9.
    52. ^ Anon. 1994, pp. 51, 60.
    53. ^ Anon. 1995c, p. 36.
    54. ^ Lannert 1995, p. L9.
    55. ^ Maldonado 1995a, p. 62.
    56. ^ Ragland 1996a, p. E7.
    57. ^ Ragland 1996b, p. E7.
    58. ^ Anon. 1995b, p. 30.
    59. ^ Anon. 1995d, p. 35.
    60. ^ Jaklewicz 1995, p. 4.
    61. ^ Jaklewicz 1995, p. 42.
    62. ^ Burr 1995, p. 143.
    63. ^ Cabrera 1996a, p. 64.
    64. ^ a b Verna 1995, p. 56.
    65. ^ a b Verna 1995, p. 37.
    66. ^ de la Torre 1995, p. 2B.
    67. ^ Cabrera 1996c, p. 79.
    68. ^ Burr 1996, p. 147.
    69. ^ Riemenschneider 1997, p. E2.
    70. ^ Cabrera 1997a, p. 64.
    71. ^ a b Candelaria 2004, p. 831.
    72. ^ Cabrera 1998, p. 71.
    73. ^ Anon. 1997, p. 1C.
    74. ^ Anon. 1998, p. 21.
    75. ^ Lannert 1999, p. 10.
    76. ^ Cabrera 1999, p. 67.
    77. ^ Cabrera 2000a, p. 68.
    78. ^ a b c d Cabrera 2000b, p. 57.
    79. ^ Anon. 2000a, p. 50.
    80. ^ Murphy 2000, p. 48.
    81. ^ a b Rodriguez 2000b, p. 17.
    82. ^ Rodriguez 2000a, p. 54.
    83. ^ Murphy 2001a, p. 17.
    84. ^ Murphy 2001b, p. 58.
    85. ^ Murphy 2001c, p. 72.
    86. ^ Anon. 2001, p. 25.
    87. ^ a b c d e f g h i Ybarra 2003, p. A59.
    88. ^ Ybarra 2005, p. A19.
    89. ^ Leo & Pena 2006, p. 38.
    90. ^ Peaches 2017b.
    91. ^ Acosta 2011, p. 13.
    92. ^ Martinez 2015, p. 54.
    93. ^ Medina 2017.
    94. ^ Medina 2019b.
    95. ^ Medina 2019c.
    96. ^ Medina 2020a.
    97. ^ Medina 2020b.
    98. ^ Medina 2021a.
    99. ^ Medina 2022a.
    100. ^ a b c Medina 2022b.
    101. ^ Medina 2022c.
    102. ^ Medina 2023a.
    103. ^ Medina 2023b.
    104. ^ Medina 2023c.
    105. ^ Patoski 1995, p. 110.
    106. ^ Point 1996, p. F7.
    107. ^ a b Garcia 1998, p. 11.
    108. ^ Maldonado 1997, p. 24.
    109. ^ Cabrera 1997b, p. 66.
    110. ^ Palomares 1989, p. 64.
    111. ^ Quesada, Gomez & Vidal-Ortiz 2015, p. 101.
    112. ^ Anon. 1991i, p. 36.
    113. ^ Faidley 1994, p. 5.
    114. ^ Anon. 1995, p. 15.
    115. ^ Burr 1999, p. 19.
    116. ^ a b Santos-Garza 2000, p. 1.
    117. ^ Medina 2016.
    118. ^ Anon. 2019.
    119. ^ Anon. 2021.
    120. ^ Anon. 2023a, p. 48.

    Works cited

    External links

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