Latino Musical Traditions In Omaha Timeline

Mexican immigration to South Omaha continued at a steady pace during the 1940s as relatives came to experience the thriving meat packing and service industries.  Families grew as a second and third generation American baby boom arrived.  The Hollywood musical influence captivated traditional Mexican music forms, creating bands of musicians and singers.  Cuban and South American compositions became popular; however, the traditional Mexican folk sound emanating from elaborately costumed “charros” could be heard in most main stream events.  Some ambitious and gifted performers began to use music as a livelihood.

Musicians during this time period: Juan, Vidal & Epifano Barrientos, Arturo & Jay Huerta, Leo Deloa, Trini Huerta Barrientos, Leo Barajas, Frank ‘Chico’ Gómez. 

Places played at: house gatherings, halls and special events.

KBON was the original 1490AM, signing on in 1941 and joining national network Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS) in 1946. KBON hung around in some form or another until the 1970s, and briefly also broadcast in FM (1948-1952), an endeavor that failed commercially but left behind towers that are still intact more than 65 years later.

In its heyday, MBS distributed programs originating in their founding studios in New York, Chicago, Cincinnati and Detroit, but their affiliates also broadcast programs created locally. KBON was known for news and music in the 1950s and working with college-level student programs. The photo is probably from one of KBON’s live local music broadcasts.MBS was sold many times and eventually faded away. 1490AM transferred from KBON to KLNG, then KYNN, then KOSR, and finally KOMJ.

The Mexican community was now firmly established in South Omaha. With the popularity of the ‘I Love Lucy’ show which featured a Cuban musician and singer, Desi Arnaz,  Mexican restaurants, clubs and social establishments added to neighborhood economic development.  A new generation of young people from the founding families continued the musical traditions of their fathers.  Now there were diverse and emerging venues for these experiences, away from home and into public spaces. The popularity of ethnic festivals and celebrations provided outlets for the music, song and dance expressions of Mexican performers.  The development of social societies centered on community activities and provided employment, as well as entertainment.

Musicians during this time period were Juan, Vidal & Pánfilo Barrientos, Arturo & Jay Huerta, Trini Huerta Barrientos, Leo Barajas, Gilbert Buso, Frank ‘Chico’ Gómez, Louie Magallanes, Ernie Martínez, Francis García Reyes and Ruth Francis ‘Betty’ Martin. 

Musicians performed at Tampico (1955-1965), George’s (also known as Carmona’s), German American Hall, Jalisco, Stockyard’s Exchange Building, Our Lady of Guadalupe, house gatherings, halls, special events and programs.

The Cisco Kid was a nationally syndicated, family-friendly TV western that aired from 1950 to 1956 and made television history as the first TV series to be shot in color. Its primary characters were Mexican caballeros named Cisco Kid and Pancho (and their equine pals Diablo and Loco). Ironically, the show’s producer Philip N. Krasne was from Norfolk, Nebraska. 

The Cisco Kid was shown on WOWT, which signed on the air in 1949 as Omaha’s first TV station. During the early 1950s, TV stations had limited access to nationally produced material and filled their schedules with local programming. The band in the photo was likely either performing on a music variety show common to the era (and advertising The Cisco Kid because of the Mexican connection) or was possibly in the studio to do a live advertisement during a Cisco Kid commercial break, since recorded commercials didn’t come around until 1956. 

Performance Venues: George's (VIP), Stockyard's Exchange Bldg, Tropicana, Shubert's, Garcia's

Musicians & Groups during this time period: Tequila Sunrise, Cervantes Brothers

Performance Venues: Double Tree Hotel, Howard's Charro Café, Colleges, Special & Private Events.