Emilio Navaira

Aside from Selena, Emilio Navaira did more than anyone to popularize tejano music during the early to mid-'90s. After first establishing himself as the lead singer of David Lee Garza y los Musicales from 1984 until 1988, the San Antonio, Texas-born Emilio joined with his brother Raúl to form the band Rio, which debuted in 1989 and enjoyed remarkable success over the next five years. His 1995 country crossover album, Life Is Good, was perhaps his greatest success. In subsequent years, Navaira continued to perform and record critically acclaimed albums, although they didn't rival the popularity of his earlier efforts. Brain trauma sustained in a 2008 tour bus crash triggered a reevaluation of Navaira's illustrious career. He died after being found unresponsive at his home in May 2016. ~ Jason Birchmeier