[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 86 (Thursday, May 18, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





               HONORING THE LIFE OF ROGELIO BOTELLO RIOS

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                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2017

  Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
life of beloved Rio Grande Valley radio and television host Rogelio 
Botello Rios, who passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2017.
  Rogelio began his broadcasting career in 1961 at the radio station 
X.E.Z.D. in Camargo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Six years later he joined the 
staff at KGBT Radio in Harlingen, Texas, and in 1971 he was promoted to 
Program Director. He then served as Program Director for KIWW radio for 
eight years. South Texans remember him most for his local variety show 
``Aqui Rogelio,'' which he hosted from 1968 to 2005.
  Over the course of his career, Rogelio received numerous awards and 
accolades for his prolific work and efforts to promote the genre. Radio 
and Music Magazine named him Program Director of the Year and Billboard 
Magazine nominated him for the same honor. Rogelio was also inducted 
into the Tejano Hall of Fame and the Conjunto Hall of Fame in 1999 and 
2011 respectively.
  Rogelio will always be remembered for his loyalty to his family, 
work, and to the Rio Grande Valley. As a broadcaster, he dedicated much 
of his time promoting smaller, independent artists and helping them to 
gain more widespread recognition. Rogelio's colleagues held him in high 
regard as a consummate professional who valued high standards and 
punctuality.
  Mr. Speaker, South Texas lost a broadcasting pioneer and legend in 
Rogelio Botello Rios this month. He will be sincerely missed by his 
family, friends, and his many fans in South Texas and Northern Mexico.

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