The full interview is streaming now on KENS 5+.
SAN ANTONIO — A special proclamation honoring icons of Tejano and Norteño music was presented Tuesday by the Bexar County Clerk and Commissioners Court. They recognized the artists who have shaped the sound and spirit of South Texas and beyond. The proclamation celebrates the musicians’ lasting contributions to both culture and music.
Among those recognized was San Antonio’s own Jay Perez, known as “La Voz,” or “The Voice.” The Tejano superstar invited KENS 5 into his home for a rare interview to discuss the recognition and reflect on his decades-long career.
“It has been a great journey,” he said.
Perez, 62, has spent more than 40 years in the industry. He recalls being a young boy and singing everywhere around the house, crediting his mom for introducing him to music.
“Always, always singing,” he said. “It started at home. It started with her, it started with my tíos and tías, like look where I am now. I am very successful. I am very grateful, and humbled.”
From singing as a young boy in the Cassiano Homes, Perez has built a distinguished career. His nickname, La Voz, reflects the power of his voice, which has been his instrument and his passion for decades.
“It is a gratifying feeling,” he said. “It is something that you can’t put into words. When you are singing on stage, and they are singing all the songs right along with you.”
Perez said his roots in San Antonio remain a central part of who he is.
“As you get older, you realize and you remember where I came from,” he said. “I like to forget all the bad things I remember. “But I can’t forget where I came from. Because it is those same roots where I stood, strong as a little boy. To this day, I am still here.”
The Tejano icon also emphasized the role of his closest supporters.
“My biggest supporters are the small crowd under this roof,” he said, gesturing to his wife and their dogs. “To be recognized like this and have the support and the love from the fans and my family, it means everything. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Perez, who recently released a new album titled “Le Seguiremos,” shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to perform regularly, with his wife Roxy who is right there on stage with him singing back-up vocals.
If you are interested in learning more about how Perez earned the nickname La Voz and his decades in the music industry, the full interview is streaming now on KENS 5+.