Contribute to Funeral Expenses for Marcelo Tafoya

It's with overwhelming sadness that I must announce the passing of the greatest, most amazing, and the most extraordinary man I've ever known... My father "Marcelo Tafoya".

On Sunday, November 14, 2021, Marcelo Hernandez Tafoya of Austin, relocated to Heaven due to natural causes. In the 1960s and 1970s, Marcelo was one of the first La Onda Tejana broadcasting pioneers and considered one of the founding fathers of the Tejano music genre. He remained a broadcaster for over 40 years in Texas as well as a promoter and supporter of the industry.

He chose the path of radio and communications to help him reach and serve his community. He was the first recipient of the Tejano Music Awards “Lifetime Achievement Award”. His career as a radio show host began on KGTN and was swiftly followed at KUT and KAZZ.

He also had the first Hispanic television show in Central Texas named Austin Presenta on KTBC channel 7. He held live music events at the Palmer event center, Pan Am Hillside, and across Central Texas. Moreover, he owned two record shops, two record labels, an advertising agency, and two newspapers named, Música and The Echo. Furthermore, he was a proud owner of several Texas radio stations: KLFB, KLTD, KCYL, KGTN, and KRGT.

His most famous quote was “Sin Música No Hay Vida” which he coined in the ’60s during his early broadcasting days. He was able to use music and television as a platform to gain the attention of many, especially President Nixon. He was the first Hispanic DJ invited to the White House to be a member of the President’s Committee on Drug Abuse, which consisted of a group of 13 DJs chosen from across the nation to advocate anti-drug messages on air to target the youth. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson and worked with him on Spanish versions of his political ads to air on his show. Through his broadcasting career and advertising agency, he worked with many prominent politicians in reaching the Hispanic community.

He was not only passionate about music but his heritage. After he retired, he amplified his activity in LULAC (of which he was a member for over 50 years) where he was dedicated to helping the Latino community. His involvement in the Central Texas and Pan Handle areas are extensive; from helping found Pan Am Hillside, helping Parque Aztlan (Lubbock, Texas) get established, helping get the Montopolis Recreation Center built, helping his people get elected into office, sitting on over a dozen community organizations boards, and chairing a local nonprofit charter school board.

With the help of his microphone and the strength of his listeners, he was able to help families cover funeral costs for loved ones, provide free toys and gifts for families in need, feed thousands, and promote the causes for the people. These are but a small fraction of his accomplishments, things that he achieved, and has done in his lifetime.

Ultimately, he was dedicated to the community and will forever be remembered by all of those he gave comfort and security to through his actions. He valued his roots and was a Tejano Music memorabilia collector. His dream was to share his memorabilia through the Tejano Artist Music Museum, Inc. for all to learn and enjoy the culture.

Marcelo was also a loving husband, father, great provider, and leader. He made sure that his children had a stable and loving home. He was strong, resilient, and would fight for what he felt was right. He taught his children to speak their minds and stand up for what they believe in. He was a man of his word. Marcelo was a protector, comforter, and positive force. He made sure that his wife was able to spend time with her family and have everything she needed to raise their children. He gave all his heart to his family and community.

He is gone too soon, but his memories and legacy will live on in the beautiful family he and his wife created.

He was proceeded into heaven by his beloved wife Isabel G. Tafoya.

The family asks that you please respect their privacy during this moment of grieving.

Funeral arrangements have not been solidified as of yet due to Covid protocols.

The family is requesting in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Tejano Artist Music Museum, Inc. (please contact Marcelo Tony Tafoya for how to do this) or via a GoFundMe account that will be posted soon by his children.