Biography
Meet the cast of Epi & Friends.
Epi and Friends has included numerous musicians at many different venues. Performing regularly along with Epi and
Cruz is Aldo, Juanito, Javier and Andy. Many life long friends and pioneers are always welcome to share the stage.
Please visit the Photo Gallery page or connect on Facebook to see more pictures of the family and friends that have
helped make up “Epi and Friends”
Epi Martinez Jr. Biography
One can say that Epi Jr. Martinez was born into the music business. His first musical influences could be credited to his
parents Epifanio and Cruz Martinez. Epi Jr. was born December 3rd, 1972. His career spans from 1978 to the present
time. At an early age, Epi would be persistent and ambitious to learn to play many instruments. His early beginning could
be of him going to his parents practices and playing with the drummers cases. Epifanio Sr. made a drum set built from
different pieces to keep his son busy while practicing. Of all the many legendary friends his parents had, Epi would say
Ruben Vela captured his ears. He has a great unique style and Epi was determined to learn, at the age of 6. Epi would
later get a 5 piece slingerland drum set and eventually his White Rogers R 380 with which he had a chance to use in a
recording at Gilberto Perez studios.
Epi Jr., now the age of 44, has a resume that is very impressive from working on commercials, recordings and performing
with many artist. He has had the privileged to perform at many prestigious festivals, such as the Wahoo Country Music
Festival where he recently won the Director’s Choice award. Epi Jr. is also a 2003 Grammy Award nominee for Frijoles
Romanticos, Best Tejano Album. In 2007, Epi won Percussionist of Year Award for the Texas Industry at the Tejano Music
Awards. He has helped several other artists accomplish many things. Now its time for him to focus on his own career, in
which he is dedicated to maintaining and carrying on his family legacy. Currently, his band, Epi and Friends, which he
shares the stage with his mom Cruz. His goal is to travel and perform around the world with his music. At this time, there
is no stopping this passionate and versatile young man. January 6, 2019 Epi Martinez was inducted into The Tejano Roots
Hall of Fame for Bajo Sexto.
History
1978 -late 80’s
Epi Jr, at an early age had to learn rhythms like Polkas, cumbias,chotises, wapangos merequetenges, Balses and slow
pieces. In the early 80’s, Epi Jr. at age 8,would have his first recording with his mom, on a 45 single with the songs
Pueblo Viejo and Sigue Tu Camino with Happy Records, a label owned by his dad. Epi’s career would give him exposure
in performing in many functions, such as weddings, Quinces, anniversaries, parades, TV shows, magazines, album
covers, and political events like for President Clinton and many other functions. Epi grew up hearing and playing
Tejano/Conjunto along with some country music. Mainly because of his parents,they enjoyed hearing Hank Williams, and
loved the duets of George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Epi Jr.’s versatility as a young boy has allowed him to become an
opening act for many legends such Ram Herrera,Pio Trevino Y Magic, Mazz , La Mafia, and Nube Negra.and many more.
1980-2014
Epi was privileged to have been given a lot of advice from one of the best known Producer, composer Juan H Barron.
Who in Epi’s eyes is one of the best percussionist, drummer singer songwriter, of all time. Epi Jr. has many years of
experience and has had opportunities to make a difference with many Tejano/Conjunto artists. Epi has had the privileged
to record with Rondli Records, Freddie Records, Happy Records, and many more . Epi Jr. is a self taught musician who
plays many instruments such as drums, bajo, guitar, bass, congas, vihuela, and much more. His love for this industry and
passion drives him to keep learning and picking up new things. He had an opportunity to be one of the first to record on a
cd-rom and a be part of a graphic digital video as technology has changed and evolved our music medium as we know it
today. Epi was a free lance agent and has played with many Tejano/Conjunto bands that include Inspiracion,, Los 4 de
Valle, Ruben Vela, Los Hermanos Layton, Arturo Nino, Dezeo,,Wally Garza Y Sangre Tejana, Elida Y Avante, and Frijoles
Romanticos. You can see that Epi is very passionate about the music industry. He has been part of many projects that
include albums, songs, recordings, musical tours ,TV shows, and the opportunity to travel to Mexico ,and across the
United States .,and oversees, as well. You may be surprised to know,that Epi Jr. helped with the recording ofthe Mariachi
song “Duele” by Elida. . On this recording Epi Jr. used the Vihuela. Which is a small 5 string nylon guitar with a belly in the
back. You may be surprised to hear Epi Jr. on recordings such as, from Bobby Pulido, Duelo,Masizzo, Jesse Turner, Big
Circo, Stephanie Lynn, Zereno Retonio, Roberto Pulido, New VarietyBand, Paulino Bernal, Gilberto Perez, Arturo Nino
,Noemi, Solido , David Lee Garza and Joel Guzman..The list goes on. He has accompanied and performed with artist such
as Ruben Vela, Roberto Pulido,Tony De La Rosa, Juan Villreal , Ruben Ramos, Sunny Ozuna, Mario Montez, Jimmy
Gonzales Y Grupo Mazz, David Lee Garza, Jamie Y Los Chammacos , Chacha Jimenez, Frankie Cabellero, Juanito Castillo
with Rio Jordan, Ram Herrera , Steve Jordan, Jesse Serrata, Los Desperados, David Hidalgo,of Los Lobos, Ruben de la
Cruz, Max Baca Y los Texmaniacs , Nick Villareal and the list continues.
Created by Sharon Kenaston Promotions - 2019
