Gilberto Perez Sr., a pioneer in Conjunto music dies at 85
By Raul Garcia Jr.
The Mercedes Enterprise
Gilberto Perez Sr., put out his first music hit at the age of 25. “El Dia de tu Boda,” shot straight to the top and helped him solidify his place in Conjunto music as one of the top selling artists. He would go on to record more Conjunto music and perform across the country for the next 60 years.
Perez passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 3. He was 85.
“We shall miss a giant in the music industry of Conjunto,” said Henry Hinojosa, a musician and former Mayor of Mercedes. “Music comes from the heart and that’s where the style comes from, and that says it all.”
According to his obituary, Perez passed away peacefully at his home in Mercedes surrounded by his family.
Perez produced six decades of endless memories of performances with his accordion.
“I know he loved Mercedes and a lot of his music was about Mercedes and especially its people,” Hinojosa said. “I talked to him several times and we became friends. I remember he said he had taken a picture with his group where we put the welcome to Mercedes sign. It was an example of his true roots and love for Mercedes. I’m not surprised he had a big showing at his viewing.”
A viewing for Perez was held on Friday, February 5, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus located in Mercedes.
A private mass was held for Perez for his immediate family at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mercedes on Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. His burial followed at the Mercedes Memorial Cemetery.
