Jose Hernandez envisioned a mariachi ensemble to reflect the passion of the rich cultural heritage he belonged. When he created Mariachi Sol de México® in 1981, Jose set the Latin musical world afire with new original rhythms, sounds and ideas. Activating this vision has enabled him to truly live as a link to the mariachi medium.

An internationally recognized musician, composer and educator, Jose Hernandez continues to break boundaries in the world of mariachi.

A fifth generation mariachi, Jose brings the pleasure of mariachi music to audiences all across the globe. He is the founder of two world-famous mariachi bands: Mariachi Sol de México® and Reyna de Los Angeles®, America’s first all-female professional mariachi band.

Jose continues to advance the art of mariachi with daring new compositions and arrangements. He has composed, arranged, and provided music for 15 Sol De México® albums. He sings, and plays trumpet, violin, guitarrón, and vihuela, and has performed in some of the most renowned venues around the world. He has recorded with the most respected and recognized names in the industry, including Selena, Vicente Fernandez, Luis Miguel, Bryan Adams and the Beach Boys, and has received four Grammy nominations.

 Jose’s musical inspirations are rich and diverse, ranging from Leonard Bernstein to Augustine Lara; Glenn Miller to José Alfredo Jimenez. One of Jose’s proudest achievements is establishing the Sol de México® symphony orchestra, bringing this powerful and vibrant sound to mariachi lovers around the world.

Jose is an impassioned ambassador of mariachi music. He is working hard to inspire and empower the next generation of musicians through the educational initiatives he has developed: the Mariachi Nationals and Summer Institute and the Mariachi Heritage Society.

The humble endeavor of Jose Hernandez is to remain the voice and medium for mariachi, to reflect the treasured cultural heritage through the pages of mariachi, to express his soulful vision of mariachi without end — this to Jose, is the Passion of Mariachi.