Kumbia Kings

The Kumbia Kings are a Latin pop group from Texas. Their music encompasses the styles of cumbia (thus their name) and R&B. They produce songs in both Spanish and English. The band's producer is A.B. Quintanilla, also known as the brother of the late Selena (he also writes the songs and plays the bass guitar). Other members of the band include:
* Nando (vocalist)
* Pangie (vocalist)
* Abel Talamantez (vocalist)
* Cruz "CK" Martinez (keyboards, producer)
* Chris Perez (lead guitar)
* Nino B (rapper, dancer)
* Pee Wee (vocalist)
* J.P. (dancer)

They have produced 8 albums since their debut in 1999:
* Amor, Familia y Respeto... (1999)
* SHHH! (2001) (their first album with English tracks)
* All Mixed Up: Los Remixes (2002)
* 4 (2003)
* Fuego (2004)
* Los Remixes 2.0 (2004)
* Duetos (2005)
* Kumbia Kings Live (2006)

Their first album sold over 500,000 copies and earned them a Grammy nomination, and later they earned a nomination for the "Latin Artist of the Year" at the 2003 American Music Awards.

2005's "Los Kumbia Kings" are vastly different then the group that originated in Corpus Christi 8 years ago.The groups two founding members remain(A.B. Quintanilla and Cruz Martinez) but the group has gone through a revolving door of members in recent years, amid controversy and finger-pointing.

Gone are original members Frankie J. and DJ-Kane.Both who have gone on to success as solo artists and Kingz1, a collaboration of former Kumbia Kings members, who defected from the group among internal dissention, released "Amor,Familia,Respect" in 2004.

In October 2004, Los Kumbia Kings released their 8th studio album titled "Fuego".The CD went on went to sell well over 500,000 copies. The "Gold-Standard" in the Latin music Industry.

The Current Los Kumbia Kings roster includes former "Menudo" member Abel Talamantez, as well as a 14 year old Irvin "Pee-Wee" Gonzalez. Gonzalez was born in Washington state, but moved to Texas at an early age. He was plucked from a talent search to head Los Kumbia Kings into the next generation.

In early 2006, Los Kumbia Kings will return to the studio to begin work on their next album, and the final one as members for A.B. Quintanilla and Cruz Martinez.The group's original members will no longer record and tour with musical sensation they built following this year.Quintanilla has stated his desire to expand the musical empire he has created.His "King Of Bling" production company recently signed a multi-million deal with EMI Latin.He also plans on taking "Los Kumbia Kings" to the American pop-markets.A move he had been reluctant to do until the recent success of "Reggaeton" in the international music market.

Martinez, who is wed to Mexican singing sensation Alicia Villareal, will work along-side Quintanilla developoing "King of Bling" artists'.He also is producing albums for latin super-stars Joan Sebastian, and Pablo Montenero.

There has also been varied speculation of a possible "Los Kumbia Kings" reunion in recent months.Recent media reports have Quintanilla reuniting many former Kumbia King members, including Frankie "J" Baustista, Jason "DJ-Kane" Cano, Alex and Roy Ramirez,in the studio as a farewell tribute to their fans.

External links

* The Kumbia Kings' official site

Although, this group has gained much success since its founding co-founder A.B. Quintanilla III took off from the group. On August 03, 2006 Pee Wee has come out saying he will not be coming back to Los Kumbia Kings due to a conflict. Pee Wee was sick for a performance and was replaced, Pee Wee seeing this as an insult decided to leave the group for good joining up with former co-founder A.B. Quintanilla III to do form another group.