'Monarchs' of conjunto capture industry's top honor

A four-piece group out of Houston walked away with a big award Sunday night when awards for the best of Conjunto music were handed out.

Los Monarcas, who were originally formed in 1966, were given the artist of the year award at the South Texas Conjunto Association awards, held at the Pharr Convention Center.

Los Monarcas, or "The Monarchs," are a Richmond, Texas-based family act with roots stretching back to the 1960s.

"We've been around a long time, and we're happy we got recognized after so many years," singer Mario Diaz said in a phone interview.

• CLICK HERE TO VIEW A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE NIGHT OF THE AWARDS

Diaz said the band headed home last night to Richmond, just outside of Houston, and gave the award to his sick father and band founder, Pedro Diaz, Sr.

In the mid-'70s, the eldest Diaz, now 76, handed the band's reins to his sons, Pete and Mario Diaz. The group eventually landed a recording contract with CBS Records, according to a biography on the band's MySpace profile.

• CLICK HERE TO WATCH A CLIP OF LOS MONARCAS ON YOUTUBE

The conjunto superstars even logged an appearance on the legendary Johnny Canales show. Los Monarcas, now associated with Hacienda Records, are currently promoting their newest disc, a compilation celebrating 35 years in the industry.

The band will perform in Stafford, Texas, on Aug. 1, and will continue touring the state throughout the fall. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/losmonarcas.

Other honorees were:

• Single of the Year – Corrido De Los Alvarez Brothers (Los Dominos de Tejas)
• Accordion Player of the Year – Ruben Naranjo III (of Ricky Naranjo Y Los
  Gamblers)
• Bajo Player of the Year – Ramon Ayala (Los Hermanos Ayala)
• Bass Player of the Year – Sal Rodriguez (Los Chukos De Zaz Y Zaz)
• Drummer of the Year – Juan Tellez (Ricardo Guzman Y los 3 Aces)
• Vocalist of the Year – Tony Saenz (Cuatro Rosas)
• Album of the Year – Homenaje A Las Leyendas (Frutty Villarreal Y los
  Mavericks)
• Upcoming Conjunto – Gerardo Mejia Y Su Conjunto
• Pioneer Conjunto Award - Aguistin Gallardo
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Chano Cadena
• Hall of Fame – Bene Medina & Manuel Davila KEDA Radio
• Conjunto of the Year – Conjunto of the Year – Los Monarcas Mavericks)