Tejano Music History · Women of Tejano

Women of Tejano: Celebrating the Return of Jennifer Peña

By Veronique Medrano  ·  3 min read

The Women of Tejano Spotify playlist showcases the women of the past and present making an impact on Tejano music, as well as the future new talent of mujeres in the industry. This month’s cover artist is legacy act Jennifer Peña, who makes her return to music after a 20-year hiatus.

During a recent interview on the Accordion 2 Me Podcast, Peña teased a snippet of her upcoming release. It’s clear that the star is ready to take the stage once more. From her stints on reality TV competitions Top Chef: VIP and Asi Se Baila, Peña has made a return to the public spotlight, documenting visits to studios in Corpus Christi, Los Angeles, and Miami for an upcoming album and tour.

From Jennifer Y Los Jetz to Solo Superstar

Peña began her career at the age of 12 in the mid-1990s, recording four albums with Q Productions as Jennifer Y Los Jetz before eventually signing with Univision Music Group as a solo artist. From that point on, Jennifer Peña managed to move the sound of Tejano into the modern era, before finally making the switch to Latin Pop.

2003

Album of the Year — Billboard Latin Music Awards

Entertainer of the Year — Tejano Music Awards

2018

Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame Induction

Additional career highlights include 3 Grammy Nominations, 1 Latin Grammy Nomination, and 3× Female Vocalist of the Year at the Tejano Music Awards.

“This playlist not only showcases Peña’s musical catalog, but also celebrates the future voices making their impact on the market of Tejano.”

Featuring: Magali Delarosa, Las Fenix, Stefani Montiel, and more — honoring the music that founded the genre in a playlist that will let out your inner Chingona.

Written By

Veronique Medrano

Singer-songwriter, writer, and archivist out of Brownsville, Texas.