(Courtesy photo)
By ARABELLA SERRATA
editor@sbnewspaper.com
San Benito local Eddie Perez won a Grammy for Best Children’s Album for his album, “Brillo, Brillo” during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, which featured 94 categories, and was presented on Feb. 2, 2025.
Perez found his love for music at a young age during annual trips to his grandparents’ house in San Benito from his home, at the time, in Chicago. There, he and his family developed a deep passion for Tejano music.
“Every year we would bring back the latest CD from (Tejano music) artists like Mazz and Emilio (Navaira), and that is where I fell in love with the music,” said Perez. Perez’s parents opened a small dance hall hoping to bring in Tejano bands from Texas.
When he was five-years-old, Perez began to practice with his grandfather’s guitar. In his teenage years, Perez was introduced to a small local band that needed a guitar player. Within a week of meeting, he joined the band, performing at local events and establishments.
“From the first time I practiced with them, I knew that that is what I wanted to do. I wanted to do it so bad that I asked my mom if I could stay in San Benito with my grandparents and continue to play with the band,” said Perez. His mother agreed, and he moved from his home in Chicago to be with his grandparents in San Benito.
During his first year at San Benito High School, he joined the school’s mariachi class and quickly polished his skills. Perez took what he learned, joined a larger local group, and began opening for bigger bands.
Eventually, he grew so much that he was asked to audition for the Sony Discos’ artist Fama.
“I ended up getting the gig and that began my career as a touring musician. It took me all over the United States and Mexico and also gave me one of my first recording experiences,” said Perez. His experience here pushed Perez to become a studio musician.
Perez stated he didn’t have a “vision” as an artist. “I knew I was just blessed to be playing with a group of that status at such an early age, so I didn’t have any expectations’ and wasn’t thinking about winning a Grammy. I was just living it up and having fun,” said Perez.
This career outlook dismissed any doubts he had, even with its ups and downs.
“The music industry can be great at one moment and the next month you’re wondering where the next gig will be,” said Perez, adding that during his career, he has toured with acts which include Bobby Pulido, Emilio Navaira, and Joe Lopez.
“Brillo Brillo” was made in collaboration with Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, a husband and wife duo group. “The entire project is just filled with some amazingly talented musicians from all walks of life who each brought their unique flavor to this project… The team put so much hard work and love into this album and it showed,” said Perez.
Perez encourages aspiring artists to follow their dreams, even if difficult. “The only one that can stop yourself from achieving what you want is you,” said Perez. He added, “However, if I could go back in time, I would have finished school and acquired a degree. It is always good to have a backup plan. Luckily, I am blessed to do what I am doing, and love what I do.”
Going forward, Perez plans on working on musical genres beyond his comfort zone. “I feel like winning the album of the year and children’s was just the beginning,” said Perez. Perez hopes to someday teach a music course at San Benito High School, ideally Mariachi or Conjunto.
Also nominated at the 2025 Grammys was San Benito’s Charley Crockett for his album, “$10 Cowboy.” He lost to Sierra Ferrell’s “Trail of Flowers.”
Recent Comments