Esparza hailed as world-class singer

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By LEO RODRIGUEZ
San Benito Historian

The Valley’s own world-renowned opera singer was a 1948 graduate of San Benito High School (SBHS).
Elfego Esparza was born in the San Benito outskirt community of El Ranchito on August 23, 1929 to Guillermo (Willie) Lerma Esparza and Maria Luisa Ramirez. Elfego was subsequently raised on his family’s farm along with his 15 siblings.

As a youngster, from 1942-1946, Elfego delivered newspapers in the San Benito area for the Brownsville Herald and the Valley Morning Star. While a member of a San Benito Catholic Church, he began singing in the church choir. When Elfego transferred to public schools, he gave up singing, afraid he would be labeled as un-masculine.

When he attended San Benito Junior High School (SBJHS), as it was called at the time, he began playing football and excelled in the sport. While attending SBJH, he noticed some of the other football players singing in the school choir. He too joined, and his talents were immediately recognized by Mr. Ed Hatchett, his choral teacher; thus beginning his career as a bass singer.

Upon enrolling at San Benito High School (SBHS), Elfego (nicknamed “Beans”) was an integral component of the San Benito Greyhound Football Team, lettering as a tackle all four years at SBHS.

Hatchett encouraged Elfego to showcase his talents, and he quickly became in high demand by the Valley Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, and acapella choirs throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

After graduating from SBHS in 1948, he enrolled at Trinity University in San Antonio, and then continued his studies at the Royal Conservatory in Brussels and the Academy of Music in Vienna. Additionally, for three consecutive semesters, he was granted a scholarship at the renowned Seagle Music Company.

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