Mariachi los Camperos de Nati Cano is a Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles–based mariachi ensemble which was formerly led by Natividad "Nati" Cano.[1]
In 1950, Nati Cano joined a mariachi band in the city of Mexicali, Baja California, as an arranger.[1] Cano was younger than any of the other members at the time.[1] The group later relocated to Los Angeles, California, based out of a restaurant Nati founded as well, named "La Fonda de Los Camperos."[1] [2] Cano renamed the band, Mariachi los Camperos, meaning Countrymen.[1]
Since the group's founding in 1961, they have performed in numerous venues throughout the United States and Mexico including Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Getty Center.[3] In 1964, they were the first mariachi ensemble to perform in Carnegie Hall.[4]
The ensemble was one of four mariachis that collaborated on Linda Ronstadt’s 1987 milestone album, Canciones de Mi Padre.[1] They also appear on Ronstadt’s sequel album, Mas Canciones, which was released in 1992, and toured with the singer nationwide.[1]
Nati Cano died October 3, 2014, due to declining health, passing on the group to the current musical director, Jesus "Chuy" Guzman.[1] He has arranged songs for the group since 1992, leads the Mariachi Master Apprentice Program (MMAP) in San Fernando Valley, and teaches at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
Cuco Del Cid died in January 2018.[5]
Former member Martin C. Padilla from El Paso, Texas, also died in January 2019.
Members:
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They were also featured on Smithsonian Folkways' Raíces Latinas: Smithsonian Folkways Latino Roots Collection in 2002.
| width=5% | Year | Recipient | Award | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | ¡Llegaron Los Camperos! | Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album. | [6] | ||
| 2009 | Amor, Dolor Y Lágrimas: Música Ranchera | Best Regional Mexican Album | |||
| 2016 | Tradición, Arte Y Pasión | Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano) | |||
| 2020 | De Ayer Para Siempre | Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano) |