Emilio Navaira Exhibit Opens to Public

By Amanda Forbes
News Reporter

The Wittliff Collections are showcasing memorabilia from Tejnano music legend Emilio Navaira in a special exhibit in Alkek Library.

Navaira, who died this year at the age of 53, was considered a legend for the Tejano music industry. He grew up in San Antonio and attended Texas State University in the 1980s.

David Coleman, director of the Wittliff Collections, said Navaira’s family was proud of his roots at Texas State and are happy to have him featured at the school.

“With his recent passing, and then with him being a Texas State alumni, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to celebrate not only Tejano music but also Emilio,” Coleman said.

The exhibit features clothing, recordings, photographs and marketing materials that revolve around the evolution of Navaira’s career. Coleman said the items are curated by collector Ramón Hernández and some are loaned by Navaira’s wife.

“Through the images you can see the evolution of his personal style as he evolved into a Tejano cowboy,” Coleman said.

Navaira came to Texas State with a music scholarship and rose to success. Coleman said he hopes Texas State students in particular will come to visit the display for inspiration.

“I hope that even though students may not know who he is, they can see he went to Texas State and was extremely successful, and that they can do the same,” Coleman said.

The exhibit will be available on the seventh floor of the Alkek Library until December 16.