Mariachi Sol

Assembled by José Hernández in 1981, Sol de America became one of the main traditional Mexican acts in the U.S. performing mariachi (a combination of the name Maria with the indigenous diminutive suffix "chi," popularized in the 1930s when trumpets were added). José Hernández started getting involved in popular music after joining his father outfit, Mariachi los Galleros, in the 1970s. To keep Mexican cultural heritage alive and captivate new audiences worldwide, Sol de America combined mariachi and contemporary rhythms. In addition, José Hernández turned into classical music after forming Sol de America's symphonic orchestra. © Drago Bonacich /TiVo