The Hometown Boys, from Lubbock Texas, have been around for many years. Originally known as El Grupo Internacional de Ricky y Joe Martinez consisted of the entire Martinez family. Roman Martinez, Sr., father, and Maria Dolores Martinez, mother , had been members of the Madrugadores del Valle, a very popular conjunto in tho 50's. Five boys and one girl later, El Grupo Internacional was born that consisted of sons-Roman Jr., Ricky, Bobby, Joe, Jesse, daughter-Rosalinda, and father-Roman Sr..
The original Grupo Internacional had two styles of music, for both older and younger generations. One style was the original conjunto style with drums, bass guitar, accordion, and bajo sexto. The other style was with drums, bass guitar, keyboard, and electric guitar. Everyone who attended one of the group's dances, got a taste of both types of music. It was like getting two groups in one. Their first recording, "Mi Ranchito" was an 8-track tape recorded in Amarillo, Texas. This is the only recording that has both styles featured. The group played along side some great musicians. The group changed their style to conjunto only after daughter and keyboard player, Rosalinda, left the group after getting married. A little ways down the road, Bobby, the original bass player , also left the group when he moved to Dallas, Texas to begin his career in photography. This is when the actual Hometown Boys were born. The group then consisted of Ricky, bass guitar, and first voice, Jesse, drums, Joe,accordion, and second voice, Roman Sr., bajo sexto, and Roman Jr., sound engineer. The Hometown Boys have had a very basic style of music that appeals to all generations.
September, 1996, marked a first in the history of West Texas. The Hometown Boys were the first Hispanics to be inducted into the "Buddy Holly Walk of Fame" in Lubbock, Texas, alongside Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Waylon Jennings and other Texas legends. The Grammy award winners have been known for songs like, "Mire Amigo", which went gold in its first 4 days of release, "Dos Gatos", "El Poder De Una Mujer", "Hombre Innocente", "Dos Cosas", "Vestida De Blanco", "El Pintor", and many more great songs. Lets not forget to mention "Joe's Specials". "Joe's Special .. 10" received the Best Instrumental Award at the 1997 Tejano Music Awards. The fans have been an inspiration to the group's dedication.
Back in October, 1997 The Hometown Boys had their first loss. Roman, Jr., percussions, and sound engineer, after a lengthy illness, passed away at the age of 45. This was such a tremendous loss. Joe, accordion player, wound up having a heart attack shortly after Roman Jr.'s funeral. After a triple bypass, Joe seemed to be on the road to recovery. A couple of months later, in January, 1998, he went to see The Hometown Boys perform and was invited up on stage to play his beloved accordion. Joe was known as the "Accordion Abuser" because he put all his energy into playing the accordion that sometimes he wound up breaking the instrument from playing so hard. After being on stage for a while, Joe suffered heart complications and at the tender age of 34, passed away while he was doing what he loved to do. Joe was a remarkably talented musician. The loss was devastating.
Two brothers passed away within a three month period. However, The Hometown Boys continued their quest to perform for their fans. A few years later in August, 2002, just as The Hometown Boys were to go on stage in Lubbock, Texas, Jesse, The drummer and baby of the family, suffered an aneurysm and passed away also at the young age of 34. The family has been in mourning for many years now. Last year, Ricky, the primary vocalist and leader of the group, suffered some ill health. Everyone was praying for his recovery. Thanks to all those prayers, Ricky bounced back, with his voice as sweet as ever. The group has gone through many changes. Roman Sr., continues to be the root of the group. He has endured much and continues to carry The Hometown Boy flag. The Martinez family has reunited. Bobby came back and plays the bass guitar, and brings his business background, and helps manage the group, so Ricky can concentrate on singing. Rosalinda came back as a background vocalist. Ricky is the main vocalist. Stevan Martinez, cousin, has taken the role of accordionist, Marky Lee Riojas was singing in Ricky's absence and has continued as second vocalist. Sammy Robles, Marky Lee's son, has taken on the role of drummer. Through all the struggles that The Hometown Boys have had to endure, they continue to play for their beloved fans. The "Homies" as they are frequently referred, want to thank everyone who has supported the group for so many years.
My condolences go out to the Martinez family and the guys from the band as well... man its shockin to wake up to this kind of news...may he rip and thank you for all his hard work and dedication @ shows and etc.... He will miss you Ricky....god bless
Our deepest condolences to the Martinez famliy. Ricky was a true legend and his music will live on forever. Our prayers are with the Martinez family in their time of need.
