Jimmy Gonzalez, a titan of Tejano music, dies in San Antonio

Tejano great Jimmy Gonzalez of Grupo Mazz passed away in San Antonio. Tejano great Jimmy Gonzalez of Grupo Mazz passed away in San Antonio. Photo: Freddie Records Photo: Freddie Records Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Jimmy Gonzalez, a titan of Tejano music, dies in San Antonio 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

Jimmy Gonzalez was a titan of Tejano music, even years after the genre's mid-'90s peak.

The larger-than-life singer, who was diabetic, died Wednesday morning at Methodist Hospital of San Antonio after his blood sugar dropped, according to Freddie Records, his label home since 1999. He was 67 years old.

A statement from the label said, "The legacy of Jimmy Gonzalez will continue to live on forever through his unforgettable music, his incredible artistry and his many contributions to the Tejano music industry."

A public viewing is scheduled Monday and Tuesday at the Brownsville Event Center.

Jimmy Gonzalez y Grupo Mazz released a new album, "Porque Todavia Te Quiero," in April that debuted at No. 2 on the Itunes Latino Top Albums chart.

Monica Pena, owner of Tejano Music Center, a record store in Pasadena, said Gonzalez's albums "have always been most requested ... since we opened our doors."

Juan Treviño, a Latin Grammy-winning singer and songwriter from Houston, wrote two songs for the project: "Ya Basta" and "Ya No Me Mientas Mas." He was a teenage musician when he first met Gonzalez and opened many times for Mazz.

"It's a sad day for the Tejano industry and for Texas music. We lost a true icon," Treviño said.

"He created a unique sound that set Mazz apart from everyone else. 'Til this day, if you hear the intro to any of their songs on the radio, you would immediately say, 'That's Mazz.' "

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Gonzalez and Joe Lopez formed Mazz in 1978 in Brownsville. They eventually disbanded and created separate groups, each going on to considerable success throughout Texas and beyond.

They reunited in 2006 for the album "The Last Dance – Mazz Live Reunion," recorded in Dallas.

Gonzalez – who was a producer, guitarist, vocalist, and frontman – incorporated a blend of genres into the traditional Tejano framework. It's a blueprint they continued to follow on the recent album, which moves through horns, pop guitars and tropical rhythms.

Because of his weight and illness, Gonzalez usually sat during live performances. But his voice remained as smooth as silk, accented with light R&B flourishes.

He won the Latin Grammy for best Tejano album from 2001-04 and again in 2009, more than any other act. Gonzalez and Mazz also won the 2003 Grammy for best Tejano album for "Si Me Faltas Tu."

Gonzalez performed in 1991 and 2005 at RodeoHouston as part of Go Tejano Day.

According to a Facebook post, Gonzalez celebrated his 19th wedding anniversary last month. He frequently posted video updates about concerts and his health on Facebook.

"Thank you so much for all the people praying for me. I can't tell you how much I loved that," he said in February. "And that's why I'm still here."

Jimmy Gonzalez y Grupo Mazz were scheduled to perform during the Puro Tejano Texas Throwdown, June 23 and 24 in the parking lot next to Tumbleweeds on Kuykendahl. The event is a launch party for Houston-based station Puro Tejano 101.7 FM and 1540 AM.

The June 24 event will now include a tribute to Gonzalez.

"Jimmy Gonzalez really kept the movement of Tejano music going in the industry. He kept Grupo Mazz alive," said Daniel Melendez, president of Puro Tejano.

"Even though he had health issues, you would still see him onstage putting on a great show. He leaves behind a great legacy. He leaves behind great music. He had a true vision for Tejano music. We will miss the original bad boy."