Conjunto Legend Pepe Maldonado passes away at 83 Tejano Nation [Video]

McAllen, Texas — The Tejano and Conjunto music communities mourn the loss of Conjunto legend Jose “Pepe” Maldonado Sr., who passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 83. Maldonado’s contributions to the genres have left an indelible mark, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.

Born in 1941, Pepe Maldonado grew up in a hard-working migrant family in the Rio Grande Valley, who dreamed of entering the music scene. By the time he was a teenager, Maldonado was already performing with local bands, honing his skills on the accordion and bajo sexto but was most interested in singing.

Late Conjunto legend Ricardo Guzman mentored a young Maldonado, who helped hone his skills. “He had one of the greatest groups here,” Maldonado told Pharr From Heaven in 2014. “After a while he said, ‘You know you sing good, I’m going to help.’ He taught me a lot. He taught …