Smithsonian Folkways Remembers Nati Cano, Mariachi Pioneer (1933-2014)

The Smithsonian community is saddened to learn of the death of Natividad “Nati” Cano on Friday Oct 3rd. The internationally renowned mariachi icon was 81 years old.

Cano's famed group Mariachi Los Camperos were widely considered the top mariachi band in the country, winning crossover fans like Linda Ronstadt and playing venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center among numerous others. Their 2008 album, 'Amor, Dolor y Lagrima,' won the Grammy for best regional Mexican album.

In his 50+ years as a bandleader and teacher, Cano took the humble mariachi musical tradition to the most prestigious concert stages in the world, legitimizing and recalibrating American public opinion of this signature musical expression.

Watch Cano performing with Mariachi Los Camperos at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in 2004: http://bit.ly/1yHPlOi

Though Cano left the group in recent years due to his failing health, Mariachi Los Camperos will release a new album in 2015 via Smithsonian Folkways.

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