Knowing Our History
- Robert Palacios
- Nov 20, 2020
- 3 min read
Knowing where we came from is just as important as knowing where we are going. It was mid 2017 when I received a call from Barbara Cogswell of Bustillos & Co. Media Productions. She explained to me that she had attended our conference for many years, as well as many others, documenting the history of mariachi as well as doing a great job documenting the history of the conferences themselves. When Barbara showed interested in attending the newly returned Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference, I was happy to welcome her with open arms. This year Barbara shared a tribute to the Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference which we streamed to our participants via our first-ever online platform. You can view Barbara's tribute here:
Barbara has become a dear friend and I wanted to help share her story:
"In the 90’s, working for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Voice Recording and Research Department, headed by Manhattan Otolaryngologist Dr. Wilbur J. Gould, voice doctor to the “famous” from Frank Sinatra to Linda Ronstadt, we produced a voice care video for Mariachi students. Maestro Jose Hernandez, Director of Mariachi Sol de Mexico, who was experiencing vocal fatigue, volunteered to be tested and share his vocal challenges singing various Mariachi styles. Included in the research was a young 16-year-old student from Pueblo, Colorado, Lydia Solano, (RIP) who was imitating Linda Ronstadt singing style. With the help of voice doctors and scientists, Lydia was taught to find her own voice and tests indicated she could surpass Ronstadt vocal range. Observing students, family and meeting Mariachi icons, I was hooked to tell more stories.
Screening the voice care video at Mariachi conferences, across the Southwest, lead me to work with the Jose Hernandez family, filming on both sides of the border. I was grateful to have interviewed Mexican icons such as Lola Beltran, Amalia Mendoza, Miguel Aceves Mejia, Aida Cuevas to Ana Barbara. Also, interviewing Jose “Pepe” Martinez, (RIP) Dir. of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Nati Cano, (RIP) Dir. of Mariachi Los Camperos, Steve and Randy Carillo Directors of Mariachi Cobre and filming the start and development of Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles and many more female Mariachi ensembles. Due to my “consejos,” focus, mentoring advice for upcoming students, Mariachis groups have continued supporting my project to-date.
As an independent photo-Jounalist, I continued filming and screening my Mariachi stories, via KCNC-TV 4, a Denver, Colorado NBC affiliate. Also, special projects such as the screening at the Greek Theater, in Los Angeles, sharing the Jose Alfredo Jimenez story during a concert and an award ceremony acknowledging the work by Amalia Mendoza. Recently, I began to produce stories for Mariachi programs, such as the work by Bob and Terri Gastellum, stating “Barbara is well known and respected among the mariachi community in the United States as well as Mexico. Her vast treasure of interviews and video footage is priceless! Our time spent with Barbara during the interview and filming process was delightful and comfortable. We felt as though we were talking to a family member because of her concern with our cause. The work that she did for us has helped to promote The Elisa Gastellum Memorial Foundation to a vast audience, along with preserving precious memories of our beloved Elisa.”
My Mother was the primary reason I continued filming Mariachi stories because she shared family history, via the songs. We both loved the old black and white “Ranchero” films, made famous during the Golden age of Mexican cinema. It was our final bond until her death, in 2016. During a screening in the Town of Guadalupe, Arizona, a woman emailed stated, “My Mom and Grandmother absolutely enjoyed your Mariachi Memoirs film! My Grandmother smiled and clapped her hands like a little girl and remembered the songs. Your screening brought generations together with a traditional subject like “Mariachi.: Those of us that have pulled away, appreciate your gentle way, via the film, telling us, Tradition will always be here for you. It hasn’t left, come see it anytime.” Grateful to my husband Dale supporting this project and my son, Adrian Dominguez expertise in coloring and sound editing."
Barbara, from myself and the Board of Directors for the New Mexico Advocates for the Arts we extend our deepest gratitude for your work in preserving the history of not only mariachi but the history of our conference. We look forward to promoting and sharing your work for years to come!
You can see many of Barbara's works on her Youtube Channel:
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