Tejano Icon Emilio Navaira Dead at 53

       Emilio Navaira became one of Tejano music's biggest stars in the '90s alongside Selena and La Mafia, building his brand on a no-frills sound and an everyman charm. The San Antonio native, who also crossed over to English-language country music, died Monday night at his home in New Braunfels. Emergency responders "were dispatched to a home in the 6300 block of Myrtle Run for reports of a 53-year old man who was found unconscious and not breathing by family members," according to a statement from the New Braunfels Police Department. Navaira was pronounced dead at Resolute Health Hospital in New Braunfels. He suffered a "massive heart attack," according to Tejano Nation, a popular music site. It was confirmed just after midnight Tuesday on his official Twitter account. Navaira's son, Diego, posted a heartfelt tribute on his personal Facebook page. Diego is a member of buzzy country band The Last Bandoleros: "Broken. That is the word that comes to mind right now. And that's not even close. When I was a kid I thought everyone had a father who was admired by millions. I thought it was normal that my dad would walk onto a stage and wow an audience so easily. And I thought it was normal to have parents that would literally do anything for their children. Parents who gave all of their love and support to me so that I could live a happy life. As I grew older I realized that I had an extraordinary childhood. Dad, it's because of you that I'm always looking out for the people around me. It's because of you that I live life to its absolute fullest. I only hope that I can be half as great of a man as you one day. I'm going to miss you Daddy. I know I'll see you in the sky when it's my time to be called home. I love you." View image on Twitter View image on Twitter Follow Emilio Navaira ‎@EmilioNavaira Lamentamos el fallecimiento del cantante Emilio Navaira Q.E.P.D. (1962 - 2016) 10:06 PM - 16 May 2016 349 349 Retweets 482 482 likes Grammy-winning producer Michael Morales was working with Navaira on new music. He called the singer's voice" truly a God-given gift." Several of Navaira's albums are moving up the iTunes charts. A "Tejano All Stars" hits collection from 2002 is at No. 1 on the iTunes Latino albums chart. Fans and fellow Tejano musicians began expressing condolences late Monday night on Facebook. Navaira was scheduled to perform May 28 at El Dorado nightclub in Houston. "Rest in paradise my friend Emilio Navaira. I was just with him ... (Cinco) de Mayo weekend laughing about old times. My heart goes out to all his familia. Gonna miss you brother," posted producer and musician A.B. Quintanilla. OTHERS WE LOST: Notable people who passed away this year Quintanilla is the brother of the late Selena, who recorded the ballad "Tu Robaste Mi Corazon" with Navaira. Oscar de la Rosa, lead singer for Tejano group La Mafia, called Navaira "mi amigo y compañero, uno de los grandes en nuestro genero." ("My friend and companion, one of the greats in our genre.") Grammy-nominated songwriter Juan Treviño called Navaira an "icon" and "Rey del Rodeo," king of the rodeo. Navaira was the last Tejano act to play RodeoHouston in 2007 for a crowd of more than 69,000 fans. He rose to prominence as the lead singer for David Lee Garza y los Musicales, a spot he flourished in from 1984-1988. Bandleader and accordion player Garza remembers Navaira as "a very humble man." "He started at a very young age with Los Musicales and gave his all in every song he ever sang with us because he sang from the heart," Garza said. "His music will live forever on radio and in our hearts." Navaira formed his own band, Rio, in the late '80s with brother Raúl Navaira. The siblings were known for their goofy onstage antics, most notable a silly dance move known as the "Emilio Shuffle." Navaira released more than a dozen solo albums and won several Tejano Music Awards, including multiple male vocalist, vocal duo (with brotherRaúl) and male entertainer of the year trophies. He also earned a 2002 Grammy for best Tejano album for "Acuérdate." "Emilio played a huge role in my career as a Tejano singer," says Juan Carlos Villegas, lead singer for Houston-based Tejano group Negami. "I grew up a mariachi singer and was introduced to Tejano in the early '90s. "Eventually, we shared the stage in the United States and in Mexico." Among Navaira's memorable hits: "Remedio de Amor," "Como le Hare," "La Rama de Mesquite" and "Lucero de mi Alma." Navaira released two English-language country albums, "Life is Good" and "It's on the House." His most successful crossover hit was 1995's "It's Not the End of the World." His rich, sturdy voice was perfect for country music and made him a standout in the Tejano genre. His career stumbled in later years, the result of problems with alcohol. He nearly died on Easter 2008 in Houston when his tour bus crashed into traffic barrels on the northbound Loop 610 just before the Southwest Freeway exit. A LOOK BACK: Navaira was sued over Houston crash, and faced charges Navaira was behind the wheel and was ejected through the windshield. He suffered massive brain injuries and endured several operations. He pleaded guilty to a drunken-driving charge, resulting in a fine, house arrest and probation. Despite the grim outlook, he made a miraculous recovery and returned to touring and recording. A duets album, "Juntos," was released in 2015. "I'm really sad right now with the passing of a great Tejano artist, and friend. Rest in Paradise Emilio Navaira," wrote David Delagarza, keyboard player for La Mafia. Singer Shelly Lares said she was "sincerely saddened by the news of the passing of my good friend Emilio Navaira. "He has been a friend since I was 10 years old, and we not only performed so many places together he and his amazing family are friends. I pray for strength for his kids and entire family." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6VxTj5aAwE Original post:http://www.chron.com/entertainment/music/article/Tejano-star-Emilio-Navaira-reportedly-dead-of-7520484.php