THE HOMETOWN BOYS

We started playing as a group around 1975 as, El Grupo Internacional de Ricky y Joe Martinez and in 1990 we became the hometown boys. In 1975, the members were the whole family, my father Mr. Roman Martinez Sr., Brothers Roman Martinez Jr., Ricky Martinez, Joe Martinez, our sister Rosie and myself Bobby Martinez. We had a younger brother Jesse but at that time, he was too young to perform. My dad had siblings, but they did not perform together. My dad taught us how to play the basics on the instruments, but he left the forming of the band up to us. He was there to guide us and learn from our own mistakes. In 1983, my sister and I left the band, Rosie to spend time with her family and I left to follow my photography career. By that time, my youngest brother Jesse was old enough to play and joined the band playing the drums. In 1990 is when we became who now know as ‘The Hometown Boys’.

The current members of the band are as follows: Roman Martinez Sr. - bajo sexto and background vocals (owner and manager); Bobby Martinez - bass, background vocals (owner and manager); Rosalinda Martinez Perea - background vocals; Steven Martinez (The West Texas Badd Boy) - accordion; Marcus Riojas (a.k.a. Marky Lee) - lead vocals; Juan Hernandez - drums, 2nd vocals.

As you well know, the band recently suffered the loss of our lead singer Ricky Martinez. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father and uncle. Ricky’s voice was the trademark of The Hometown Boys. He is greatly missed. However, Ricky was one that always felt the show must go on. The fans have been great. They have come out to support us everywhere we go, from the first night we performed in Austin without Ricky until now. Ricky and I had many conversations about him not performing anymore. I would tell him to take care of himself because the people wanted to see him. He would tell me not to worry; he said, “The Tejano and Conjunto fans would be there to support us no matter what. They were there when Joe passed away and they were there when Jesse passed away”. Ricky was right; the fans have been there for us now that he is no longer with us. We haven’t replaced our brothers. We are just filling in for Joe, Jesse and Ricky until the band is reunited again. I remember before I returned to the band and all my brothers were still alive when ever they came to play in my area I would hang out with them and I had the privilege of performing with them. Every now and then I would sit in for a few songs. Getting to perform with my dad and Ricky was always great. If I would have known then that my brothers weren’t going to be around to grow old together, I would have tried harder to spend more time with them. The life of a musician is not easy, your never home on special days, including holidays. That old saying is true, don’t take your loved one for granted. Tell them that you love them whenever possible; you never know when you will see them again.

Well fans I recently had the pleasure of seeing The Hometown Boys perform. They were great as usual. The girls were going crazy over the accordion player Stevan Martinez. Therefore, I asked Mr. Bobby Martinez the scoop on him. Here is what I found out: Stevan has been with The Hometown Boys going on 9 years now. He has many influences starting with Joe Martinez. Stevan is constantly playing the accordion to perfect his craft. He has his own style and flare. He copies no one. However, people are always trying to copy him. Stevan is one of a kind, and true to his word. He has been approached by many of the top Tejano bands to leave The Hometown Boys and go play with them. But he shows his loyalty by staying with The Hometown Boys. He made a promise to our brother Jesse that he would stay with the band at least until Mr. Roman Martinez Sr. called it quits or there was no longer a band. And the way it looks Stevan is going to be with The Hometown Boys for a long time to come. Looks like The Hometown Boys are not going anywhere, but UP!

As for the band staying together for a long time, one never knows the future, but keeping this group of musicians together is what I am hoping for. What I do know, as long a my dad and I are alive and kicking The Hometown Boys will be around.

Well fans keep an eye out after the first of the year for The Hometown Boys new CD. The Hometown Boys plan on getting back in the studio and putting out more Hometown Boys music. Word is they have already picked out some songs and are just in the process of working our some legal issues.

I want to thank dfwtejano.com magazine for the opportunity for people to get to know The Hometown Boys better thru this interview. And I want to thank all the fans that have supported The Hometown Boys over the years, also for their continued support for many years to come. We always say if it wasn’t for the fans we would not be where we are today.

Thank You Very Much, Bobby Martinez, HTB

Bobby Martinez/Owner-Manager