The spirit of New Mexican music has flown through Roberto Griego’s veins since he was a little boy growing up in Bosque, New Mexico with his grandparents, aunt, and his father.
He remembers his grandmother would tell him to search for a job when he was a teenager. But instead, he would pretend to look around for one all day and focus his time on mastering the guitar. When he was a teenager, Griego played the guitar for seven to eight hours a day.
That dedication to his craft has led to a multi decade long career in music that has included nine full length CDs, multiple performances, and the founding of his own independent label titled “RJG Records.” And Griego’s work hasn’t gone unrecognized.
On November 2022, Griego was inducted into the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame which recognizes the contribu- tions of those who have had a significant impact on the evolution, development, and perpetuation of New Mexico music. And in January of 2023, Griego was recognized as a New Mexico local legend with a New Mexico Senate memorial.
“Had the rare privilege of recognizing Roberto Griego, a South Valley and New Mexico icon, on the floor of the New Mexico State Senate. His beautiful music and history are what weave our New Mexico culture together,” New Mexico State Senator Michael Padilla wrote on Facebook.
Known as the “voice of New Mexico,” Griego’s other accomplishments include being awarded CD of the year, original song of the year, and mariachi song of the year for the song “Payaso” by the New Mexico Hispano Entertainers Association.
LaVozColorado asked about his accomplishments and accolades, Griego responded humbly, saying it’s been fantastic and great to receive the recent attention.
Griego’s most recent CD was released in 2019. Titled “Mi Quierida Hermana,” the album features a touching personal tribute to his only sibling Ermelinda “Ermie” Jaramillo who passed away in 2017. “She and I were very close. And it’s one of the realities of life that you’re going to lose your mom, dad, sister, brother, whoever,” said Griego.
As for now, Griego said he’s been doing some writing. And until he releases music, he has some performances he is looking forward to. “I’ve got a gig coming up over here. One of the biggest cassinos hired me to perform for Cinco de Mayo at the Sandia Casino,” said Griego. My band and I will be performing there at the outdoor amphitheater.”
Additionally, Griego and his band are also performing at the 2023 Costilla-Amalia Reunion on August 5th at the Plaza de Arriba in Costilla. Costilla is celebrating 175 years of settlement. For more information please visit costillareunion.org.
Griego’s music can be found at various independent record stores, and on iTunes where he sells all of his albums he’s ever recorded over his career. Additional information on where to purchase Griego’s music can be found at http://www.robertogriego.com/purchase-music.html.
