Band of Brothers w/ Raulito Navaira | Ep. 22 | Green Room Podcast

WAAADDDDUUUPPPP DAWGS!!

We got an awesome guest this week, a legend in the Music Industry, and Rigo's Father! Mr. Raulito Navaira!

Raulito Navaira (often called Raul or Raúl “Raulito” Navaira) is a Tejano musician, singer, and songwriter best known for his long-standing collaboration with his older brother, the late Tejano and country music legend Emilio Navaira (Emilio H. Navaira III, 1962–2016), who was widely regarded as one of the biggest stars in Tejano music—sometimes called the “King of Tejano” or the “Garth Brooks of Tejano.”

Early Involvement and Career Start:

The Navaira brothers grew up in San Antonio, Texas, in a Mexican-American family with a strong musical influence. Emilio began his professional career in 1983 as the lead singer for David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, helping the group achieve major success in Tejano music, including Tejano Music Awards wins.

Raulito joined in support roles around that time:

• He started as a roadie for the group in 1984.

• He advanced to sound engineer and began performing occasional duets with Emilio on stage.

Partnership in Emilio y Grupo Rio:

In 1989, Emilio left Los Musicales to form his own band, Emilio y Grupo Rio (also known simply as Grupo Rio or Emilio Navaira y Grupo Rio). He signed with Columbia Records (CBS) and built a highly successful career blending traditional Tejano with progressive elements and later country crossovers.
Raulito became a core member of the band, serving as:

• Backup vocalist (often featured in vocal duos and harmonies)

• Occasional onstage performer, including sharing in trademark elements like the “Emilio Shuffle” dance.

The brothers performed together for many years, contributing to Emilio’s rise in the 1990s Tejano scene. Highlights include:

• Multiple Tejano Music Awards (e.g., in 1996, Emilio won Male Vocalist of the Year, and the brothers shared Vocal Duo of the Year).

• Albums and hits that crossed into country (Emilio released English-language material like the 1995 album Life Is Good).

• National exposure through commercials (Coca-Cola, Wrangler, Miller Lite) and tours.
Raulito remained by Emilio’s side through peaks of fame, including tours in both Tejano and country markets.

Later Years and After Emilio’s Passing:

A major setback came in 2008 when Emilio suffered a serious tour bus accident near Houston, resulting in critical injuries and a long recovery (he was in a coma initially). Raulito supported him during this time and continued performing.

Emilio passed away in 2016 from cardiovascular issues at age 53.

After Emilio’s death, Raulito honored his brother’s legacy by:

• Continuing to perform Emilio’s classics and original Tejano material.

• Leading tributes (including videos and convention appearances remembering Emilio).

• Pursuing his own path as a 2x Grammy-nominated (or associated) singer/songwriter in Tejano music.

• Hosting shows (e.g., “The Raulito Show”).

• Performing across the U.S. to keep the Navaira family musical tradition alive.

Raulito’s children, Destiny and Rigo, have also entered Tejano music successfully, extending the family legacy.

Overall, Raulito’s career is deeply intertwined with Emilio’s—starting in supportive roles, evolving into a key onstage partner in one of Tejano’s most prominent acts, and continuing as a steward of their shared heritage in the genre after Emilio’s passing. Their brotherly collaboration helped popularize Tejano music widely in the 1980s–2000s.


Guest Links:

Raulito Navaira:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/raulitonavaira?igsh=ZzlsNnVudWRmbzh4

Tik Tok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@raulitonavaira?_r=1&_t=ZP-93cM3mi3sOE

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Azgqe8NHK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Dawgs:

Jordan Gauna:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/gauna.jordan/?igsh=MWY4ZWUxM3pzZ2p1Mw%3D%3D

Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@UCWMMZ_cwameVLDPpuuAKljQ

Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jordan-gauna/1651215529

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3pdV5fxlN5HL5TjJUuHUFa?si=WAHOEQuFQ9KTXanqIcnSyw

Rigo Navaira:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rigoraulnavaira/?igsh=bmV3YXo4d2trdWd4

Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rigo-navaira/692212813

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0cGmJmdP137AAz5ZxeE2s0?si=WUV0q2fFQ5W2iMjckPdUSQ

Justin Gallegos:

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/justingallegos_/?igsh=MWdub2s2NnAxa2c2Nw%3D%3D

Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@UCORT3ZOlYOWvAE27KxgjwrQ

Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/justin-gallegos/1649946195

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3dRbXKJkvdJuOvY6mmH7jM?si=todFLU-ATc2ZzcuaOVgSbA

Dickens Media:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/_dickensmedia_/?igsh=bXdqeWl2cm5yNjJn&utm_source=qr

Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@215GarrettD