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Mariachi grew from humble beginnings say historians, back over
200 years to the Jalisco highlands. With its strong ties to the traditional
and cultural customs of México, mariachi music has become recognized
as an international symbol. 
Yet, no one can say for sure where mariachi music can rest its roots.
It is believed to be derived from an adaptation of Spanish and indigenous
instrumentation and rhythm.
Historically, the mariachi's striking attire known as the Traje de
Charro was taken from wealthy horsemen of old México.
Yet, as mariachi music swept across México, its romantic song, shimmering
look and captivating rhythm soared upwards into California. Mariachi
thus became known among a curious and accepting society, as a proud
medium of expression of a rich heritage from the south.
The reason:
In the mid 1880s, Jóse's great-great-grandfather,
Pedro Hernàndez played in dusty plaza regions of western
México known as La Sierra del Tigre. Then great-grandfather Crecencio
Hernàndez was a violinist in the land. Grandfather Jóse
Hernàndez along with Jóse's father Esteban Hernàndez
organized and enlivened audiences with Mariachi Chapala in 1938,
having extended into the early 1960's.
1957 was the year the first fully organized mariachi group appeared
in Los Angeles. Mariachi Chapala, formed by the Hernàndez & Sosa
Families, paved the way for the mariachi groups of today.
Then came Mariachi Los Galleros, with father Esteban, Pedro, Cencho,
Jesus, Antoñio Hernàndez and Jóse, which became Jóse Hernàndez's
staging ground in the 1970's.
Recently, the Governor of Jalisco, México invited Jóse Hernàndez to
receive an honorary award as a tribute to the contribution the Hernàndez
family has devoted to the artistic medium of mariachi.
Jóse Hernàndez represents the fifth generation of performers in his
family line, moving to establish Mariachi Sol de México®
in 1981. For more than 125 years the Hernàndez family has built
a family heritage that has been enveloped in mariachi. Over time,
the Hernàndez family can be said to represent mariachi with
pride and dignity.
Few families can claim they have lived life as a mariachi. Unique
to the generations of Jóse Hernàndez is the testimony that they have
lived the Passion of Mariachi.
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