Sunny Ozuna
Sunny Ozuna, born Ildefonso Fraga Ozuna on September 8, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, is a legendary figure in Tejano music. Raised on the Southside of San Antonio with his two brothers and six sisters, Sunny's musical journey began during his high school years at Burbank High School. He formed the band Sunny and the Sunglows, which gained popularity through performances at school events, churches, and car clubs. The band, later known as Sunny and the Sunliners, became pioneers in incorporating instruments like the electric organ and piano into their performances.
Sunny's career took a significant leap when his band recorded a remake of Little Willie John's "Talk to Me, Talk to Me," which became a national hit. The song reached No. 4 on the Adult Contemporary chart and No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963, leading to an appearance on Dick Clark's American Bandstand, marking Sunny as the first Tejano artist to appear on the show.
Despite facing personal challenges, including health issues and the demands of touring, Sunny continued to produce a diverse range of music, from Tejano and rock and roll to gospel and country. His contributions to music have been substantial, with over 85 successful CDs to his name. Sunny's influence and versatility have made him a beloved figure in the music industry, and he remains active, performing and touring with his band, the Sunliners.