Los Alegres de Terán

Led by accordionist Eugenio Abrego and bajo sexto player Tomás Ortiz, Los Alegres de Terán opened the path for complex duo harmonies in the norteño tradition of Mexican music. Abrego and Ortiz first crossed paths at a club in Nuevo León during the mid-'40s, prompting the duo to establish the group there before relocating successively to Monterrey, Reynosa, and ultimately the border town of McAllen, Texas.

From the release of their debut single, 1948's "Corrido de Pepito," the ensemble joined Los Cadetes de Linares and Los Tremendos Gavilanes in shaping richly harmonic norteño corridos and rancheras. Over the years they cut more than 100 LPs and scored successes with tracks such as "Carta Jugada," "Alma Enamorada," and "Entre Copa y Copa." Additional ventures included a performance slot at Chicago's inaugural Polka Festival in the mid-'60s and roles in multiple films, most prominently the 1961 melodrama Pueblito under the direction of Emilio "El Indio" Fernández. Los Alegres de Terán entered the Tejano Conjunto Hall of Fame in 1983, five years prior to Abrego's death, while Ortiz passed away in November 2007. Their foundational impact continues to resonate through later performers including Ramon Ayala, Carlos y Jose, Los Cadetes de Linares, and numerous others.