San Antonio-born Emilio Navaira has been called "the king of Tejano music" and the "Garth Brooks of Texas." Whether singing in English or his native Spanish, Navaira has been highly celebrated for his emotionally rich vocals. In the decade and a half since his debut as lead singer of David Lee Garza y los Musicales, Navaira has received 27 Tejano Music Awards including six as Best Male Vocalist. His many Spanish-language hits include "Como Le Hare," "Sensaciones," and Unsung Highways." The Las Vegas Sun described him as "Selena with a mustache." A native of San Antonio's south side, Navaira sang as a youngster at family gatherings and in the choir of McCollum High School. Teaching himself to play rhythm guitar, he began to attract attention with his soulful blend of Tejano and country music. Following a four-year apprenticeship with David Lee Garza y los Musicales, he formed his own band, Y Su Grupo, in 1989. It took little time before his impact was felt. His self-titled debut CD was nominated for a Grammy Award. Navairo branched out to a more general audience with an English-language album, Life Is Good in 1995. Recorded in Nashville, the album was produced by former Muscle Shoals keyboardist, Barry Beckett. Navairo has continued to record two albums annually, one in English and one in Spanish. In addition to Navairo's brother, Raul, as background vocalist and chief songwriter, Y Su Grupo features accordionist Pete Ybarra, keyboardist Mark Martinez, guitarist Carl Leon, bassist George Esquivel and drummer Albert Casanova. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide