Pete Astudillo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pete Astudillo
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Pete Astudillo during a concert in Laredo, Texas in 2016.
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Pedro Astudillo
December 1, 1963 Laredo, Texas, US
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| Other names | Peter Astudillo |
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| Years active | 1985–present |
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Pedro Astudillo (born on December 1, 1963), is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and dancer. People have called him "the Latino Babyface". He is known for helping create Selena's special music style. Astudillo wrote or helped write many popular Tejano music songs in the 1990s. He was honored in the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame in 2019. Billboard magazine says his work as a songwriter made a big impact on Latin music in the United States.
After high school, Pete studied music. He formed a band called Los Bad Boyz with Joe Ojeda. A local DJ discovered them, and they joined Selena y Los Dinos in December 1988. Pete sang harmonies with Selena and also danced and helped out in the band. He started writing songs for the group with "Besitos" (1989). He co-wrote it with the band's producer, A. B. Quintanilla. This song helped Selena y Los Dinos explore the cumbia style. His songs for the album Ven Conmigo (1990) made it very successful. It stayed on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart for a long time. With help from Los Dinos, Pete released his first solo album, Entregate a Mi, in January 1992.
Pete Astudillo stayed with Selena y Los Dinos, writing songs while they toured. He and A. B. co-wrote "Como la Flor" (1992). This became one of the most famous songs by a Mexican-American artist in the US. In 1994, Pete won Songwriter of the Year at the BMI Latin Music Awards. He also co-wrote "Amor Prohibido" and "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" for Selena's album Amor Prohibido (1994). Both songs became number one hits on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart. "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" was the most successful US Latin single of 1994. On March 31, 1995, Selena was killed. Pete continued performing at the opening of Sea World Texas. He was still dealing with the loss of his mother, who had passed away the year before.
Pete released Como Te Extrano on December 1, 1995. The main song was a tribute to Selena and his mother, Paz. This song reached number one on the Regional Mexican Songs chart and stayed there for ten weeks. Pete won Most Promising Band at the 1996 Tejano Music Awards. People started calling him the "next big thing" in Tejano music. In 1996, he tied with Juan Luis Guerra for Songwriter of the Year at the BMI Latin Music Awards. His later albums, Si Tu No Estas (1997) and ¿Dónde Estás Amor? (1999), were not as successful. Pete left Q-Productions in 2001 to start his own label, Peace Rock Records. He released his albums independently. In the early 2010s, he played rock music with a band called Ruido Añejo. Later, he returned to Tejano music with his band, Pete Astudillo y Tekno-Mex. In April 2021, his song "Pelón" with A. B. for Boyz of Kumbia reached number 38 on Billboard's Regional Mexican Songs chart.
Contents
Pete's Early Life and Music Journey
Growing Up and Finding Music
Pedro Astudillo was born on December 1, 1963, in Laredo, Texas. His parents, Pedro and Paz Astudillo, came from Guerrero, Mexico. They moved to the United States in 1962. Pete worked with his family on farms in different states until he was 13. He helped thin beets and potatoes. He said working in the fields was hard but brought his family closer. Pete also worked as a dishwasher and cook at his family's restaurant.
Singing in his church choir helped Pete express himself, even though he was shy at first. He loved music class. When he was nine or ten, Pete started writing love poems and songs. He never planned to be a singer; it just happened. He found he loved both singing and writing lyrics. Pete grew up in a poor neighborhood but was determined to have a music career.
Starting a Band and Joining Selena
Pete graduated from Laredo Nixon High School in 1982. After a few years at Laredo College, he opened a restaurant with his brother in Colorado. But he still loved music. He went back to college to study accounting and take vocal classes. He also worked at his father's restaurant. In 1985, Pete told his family he wanted to be a musician. They were surprised because he had kept it a secret.
Pete met Joe Ojeda through a friend. Joe needed a lead singer, and Pete wanted to be in the music scene. They formed a band called Los Bad Boyz. They played at Pete's brother's catering hall. It was hard for Los Bad Boyz to get bigger shows. Promoters often said no, even when they offered to play for free. Pete thought this was because they were new and a two-person band.
Pete and Joe almost gave up on music. But one day, while playing at a flea market, a local DJ named The Bird discovered them. Pete felt it was lucky timing. In August 1988, The Bird gave Los Bad Boyz a regular unpaid spot at a club in Laredo. The club owners liked their music. The Bird suggested that Los Bad Boyz could open for popular bands. The next month, they opened for Selena y Los Dinos.
Selena y Los Dinos included Selena as the lead singer, A. B. Quintanilla on bass, Suzette Quintanilla on drums, Ricky Vela on keyboards, and Roger Garcia on guitar. Selena's father, Abraham Quintanilla, managed the band. By 1988, Selena y Los Dinos was very popular on Tejano radio stations in Texas. Pete knew who Selena was, but he wasn't very into Tejano music at the time.
Abraham was unsure about Los Bad Boyz opening for Selena y Los Dinos because they were only two people. But Los Bad Boyz impressed everyone. After the show, Abraham asked them to call him to talk about working together. He asked them to open for Selena y Los Dinos on tour for two months. Pete and Joe were just happy to be on the same stage. They became good friends with A. B. Pete described Selena y Los Dinos as like the "Latino Brady Bunch" and Selena as "goofy, crazy, and loud".
A. B. convinced his father, Abraham, to let Pete and Joe join the band. Pete and Joe joined Selena y Los Dinos on December 25, 1988. Pete sang harmonies and duets with Selena. He was also a hype man (someone who gets the crowd excited), a dancer, and a roadie (someone who helps set up equipment). Joe became the second keyboardist. Pete brought new ideas for lyrics and melodies to the group's songwriting. He felt very happy when he joined Selena y Los Dinos, like his dreams were coming true.
Pete's Time with Selena y Los Dinos
Making Music and Hits
In 1989, Selena y Los Dinos were asked to open the 1989 Tejano Music Awards. Music companies like CBS Records and EMI Latin were there to find new artists. EMI Latin's president, Jose Behar, wanted to sign Selena y Los Dinos. Abraham liked EMI Latin's offer because it could lead to a crossover deal, meaning Selena could sing in English too.
The band started working on their first album, Selena, in June 1989. The album aimed to introduce them to the international Latin music market. The band became more modern and experimental with this album. It was the first album where Pete and Joe helped with the music. Pete found he could write songs when he started working with A. B. He realized, "I can do that."
Pete's first songwriting contribution was "Besitos", which he co-wrote with A. B. A. B. said this song was important because it led the band to explore the cumbia style. Pete and A. B.'s teamwork made the band's music more danceable with cumbia influences. This mix, according to Texas Monthly, included elements of funk and hip-hop, creating a unique sound.
During the recording of the duet "Amame, Quiereme", Pete felt nervous. It was his first time recording in a professional studio. He struggled to hit the right notes and was removed from the studio. But he was determined not to give up. With encouragement, he tried again and succeeded. "Amame, Quiereme" was nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year at the 1990 Tejano Music Awards.
Pete and Abraham wrote the Spanish version of "Sukiyaki", a Japanese song from the 1960s. Pete also helped with the arrangements for "My Love" on Selena. Pete recorded the duet "Yo Te Amo" with Selena for Ven Conmigo (1990). This song was nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year at the 1992 Tejano Music Awards.
Other songs Pete wrote for Ven Conmigo include "Baila Esta Cumbia", "Enamorada de Ti", and "No Quiero Saber". "Baila Esta Cumbia" became very popular and sold many copies. Pete's songs were a big reason Ven Conmigo was so successful. It stayed on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart for a long time. In 2021, the Library of Congress chose Ven Conmigo for preservation because it was "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
Pete's Solo Career and Big Hits
Becoming a Solo Artist
Los Dinos supported Pete's wish to start a solo career. With A. B.'s help, they worked on Pete's first solo album when they had free time. Abraham and EMI Latin saw Pete's potential as a solo artist. Los Dinos played instruments on his album, and A. B. helped write and produce it. A music critic said Pete had what it takes to be a successful solo artist, with great singing and stage presence.
Pete and his band Oxygeno started opening for Selena y Los Dinos. Abraham became Pete's manager and signed him to his Q-Productions label. Pete released his first album, Entregate a Mi, in January 1992. By March, the album was doing well. Songs like "Un Hombre Busca Una Mujer", "Porque Le Gusta Bailar Cumbia", and the title track were played a lot on the radio. "Porque Le Gusta Bailar Cumbia" was often the most requested song.
Even though he was a solo artist, Pete stayed loyal to Selena y Los Dinos. He kept writing songs while touring with them. When asked if he would leave the band, Pete said, "I'm a Dino, part of the family. This group is solid and I like it here."
Writing "Como la Flor" and Other Hits
The band's album, Entre a Mi Mundo, aimed to become popular in Mexico and Latin American countries. One of the songs, "Como la Flor", was written by Pete and A. B. It came from real feelings. "Como la Flor" became one of the most popular songs by a Mexican-American artist in the US. In 2018, Rolling Stone called it one of the best Latin pop songs. Many people consider "Como la Flor" to be Selena's most famous song. It has become a very important part of Texas musical history.
Pete also wrote or co-wrote other songs for Entre a Mi Mundo. These included "¿Qué Creías?" and the funny song "La Carcacha". These songs were inspired by everyday life. Pete often hung out with A. B., Chris Pérez (the guitarist), Vela, and Ojeda on the tour bus. Pete supported Chris and Selena's secret relationship. Selena wrote "Ámame" (1992) about her feelings for Chris, and Pete helped her with the lyrics.
Awards and New Beginnings
Pete was nominated for awards like Single of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year at the 1993 Tejano Music Awards. He and Selena were also nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year. Pete performed "Un Hombre Busca Una Mujer" at the awards show, showing his strong singing skills.
Pete appeared on the Johnny Canales Show for the first time in November 1993. His song "Ganar O Perder" became popular on the Tejano Singles chart. Pete started working on his third album in January 1994. He was nominated for more awards at the 1994 Tejano Music Awards.
In February 1994, Abraham Quintanilla suggested Pete leave Selena y Los Dinos to focus on his solo career. Pete was excited to show his skills on his own. He was proud of his time with Selena and believed he could succeed as a solo artist. Pete left his band Oxygeno and started a new band. He asked fans to suggest names for his new group.
Pete won Songwriter of the Year at the 1994 BMI Latin Music Awards. He and A. B. were not winning Songwriter of the Year at the Tejano Music Awards, which some critics thought was unfair since they wrote Selena's hits. Pete co-wrote "Amor Prohibido" and "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" for Selena's album Amor Prohibido (1994). These became two of the most popular songs from the album. Pete said co-writing "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" was one of his best memories with Selena. Both songs reached number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart.
Other songs Pete wrote for Amor Prohibido include "Techno Cumbia" and "Si Una Vez". To promote his album Como Nadie (1993), Pete toured in Texas and New Mexico. His mother, Paz Astudillo, passed away on April 11, 1994. Songs from Como Nadie like "Piquito de Oro" and "Vas a Llorar" were played a lot on the radio. "Vas a Llorar" used the sound of raindrops to represent crying.
Pete's music videos started playing regularly on Univision. The Odessa American newspaper believed Pete would become one of the top Tejano artists. They praised his singing and songwriting.
Pete's Signature Song and Later Career
"Como Te Extrano" and Continued Success
By 1995, Tejano music was growing fast. Pete worked with A. B. on a fun cumbia song called "Asi Te Quiero" (1995). On March 31, 1995, Selena was killed. Pete spoke about Selena on the radio, crying, as he was still sad about his mother's death the year before. He went to Selena's funeral. Pete started performing Selena's songs at his concerts. He said he dealt with her death like anyone else dealing with a loss. He was thankful for what he learned from Selena.
In June 1995, "Amor Prohibido" won a BMI Pop Music Award, the first Spanish-language song to do so. In July, Pete opened for Willie Nelson. Pete worked with Vela on "Estupido Romantico", which was recorded by Mazz. This song reached the top ten on the Hot Latin Songs chart.
Pete released his third album, Como Te Extrano, on December 1, 1995. This was Pete's first album in two years, which was unusual in Tejano music. But Como Te Extrano still climbed the music charts. The album had a mix of pop cumbias and rancheras. A music critic called it one of the best Latin albums of 1995. Como Te Extrano sold many copies quickly.
The main song, "Como Te Extrano", was written by Pete, Ojeda, and A. B. It was a tribute to Selena and Pete's mother, Paz. Pete said writing the song was very personal. He wanted the song to express feelings of longing that anyone could relate to, so he didn't mention Selena or his mother by name. "Como Te Extrano" became Pete's most famous song. It reached number one on the Regional Mexican Songs chart and stayed there for ten weeks.
The album Como Te Extrano also did very well, reaching number two on the Regional Mexican Albums chart. A Billboard magazine writer praised the album for mixing pop, cumbia, and ranchera styles. Other songs like "Si Me Vas a Dejar" and "Completamente Enamorado" also got radio play.
New Band and Awards
In January 1996, Pete cut his long hair, choosing a more modern look. He joked that he did it because of head lice. Many musicians asked Pete to write songs for them. Pete introduced his new band name, Grupo Futuro. The band's members stayed mostly the same, with a new accordion player, John Saenz. Pete played a sold-out concert with Jennifer Peña, drawing a huge crowd.
At the 1996 Tejano Music Awards, Pete was nominated for several awards, including Most Promising Band and Song of the Year for "Estupido Romantico". He won Most Promising Band and was seen as the "next big thing" in Tejano music. By March 1996, Como Te Extrano sold over 100,000 copies.
Pete was also nominated for awards at the 1996 Premio Lo Nuestro. He performed at Six Flags' Music Mill Amphitheatre, becoming one of the few Tejano artists to play there. Pete recorded "Tu Robaste Mi Corazón" for the Siempre Selena (1996) album. This song was originally sung by Selena and Emilio Navaira.
At the 1996 BMI Latin Music Awards, "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom", "Si Una Vez", and "Amor Prohibido" won Song of the Year. Pete tied with Juan Luis Guerra for Songwriter of the Year. Pete said being recognized as a songwriter was very important to him. He felt writing was as important as performing. Pete also narrated a concert video of Selena y Los Dinos. For the first anniversary of Selena's death, Pete planned a tribute concert for her.
By mid-1996, Pete was one of the most popular Regional Mexican artists. "Como Te Extrano" was one of the most popular songs and albums in Tejano music that year. Pete was also ranked as a successful Latin songwriter.
Acting and Later Albums
Pete joined the cast of Selena (1997), a movie about Selena's life. He played himself as a dancer and backup vocalist for Jennifer Lopez, who played Selena. He felt it was important to help the movie by sharing his experiences with Selena. Pete found it hard to watch the movie because it brought back happy memories. He promoted the film and performed for the movie's extras. His role in the film's concert scene showed how important he was to Los Dinos.
For the Selena soundtrack, Pete recorded a tribute song called "Vivirás Selena" with other artists. Some critics liked it as a tribute, even if it wasn't typical Tejano.
At the 1997 BMI Latin Music Awards, Pete won Songwriter of the Year again. At the 1997 Tejano Music Awards, he won Song of the Year for "Como Te Extrano" and Orchestra/Group Album of the Year for Como Te Extrano. In March 1997, Pete released his song "Si Tu No Estas". The album of the same name came out in June 1997.
Pete toured to support Si Tu No Estas, mostly in Texas but also in other states. He enjoyed the positive reactions from his fans. Pete said he loves performing and would feel sad without it. When he wasn't performing, he wrote songs and produced music. Si Tu No Estas did not sell as well as Como Te Extrano. Pete believed the songs were just as good, but it didn't reach the same success.
Pete was nominated for more awards at the 1998 Tejano Music Awards. He appeared on TV shows and released a jingle for a bank. He also participated in VH1's Behind the Music episode about Selena.
In September 1998, Pete released his song "¿Dónde Estás Amor?". He described it as a romantic cumbia with accordion music. The album had different styles, including norteño and mariachi songs. Pete wanted the album to appeal to both young and old listeners. He focused on making music that fans would love.
¿Dónde Estás Amor? was released in April 1999. Pete was nominated for Best Mariachi Song at the 1999 Tejano Music Awards. Pete performed at the Feria de Las Flores pageant in 2000. Pete was worried about the sales of ¿Dónde Estás Amor? because they were lower than he hoped.
New Record Label and Recent Work
Starting Peace Rock Records
Pete decided to leave Q-Productions in 2001 because he had different ideas about his career. He felt the Tejano music market was slowing down. Pete started his own record label, Peace Rock Records. He wanted to be more active in his career and not just wait for opportunities. He felt that record companies were not supporting Tejano music as much.
Pete released his first independent album, El Rey del Ritmo, in August 2001. He was still a popular musician in Tejano music. Pete described the album as a mix of different rhythms with Tejano influences. The main song climbed the music charts and was played a lot on Latin music stations. Critics said the album had many different sounds, including cumbia and South American dance influences. Songs like "La Negra Tomasa" and "Mira Como Se Le Mueve" were lively dance tracks.
Other songs like "Me Estas Doliendo el Corazon" and "Tequila Con Lagrimas" were more traditional Tejano. "Me Estas Doliendo el Corazon" was written for Pete's mother from his father's point of view. "Tequila Con Lagrimas" was about lost love. Pete also started trying out vallenato-influenced songs in his Tejano music.
By 2002, Pete took a short break from music to care for his father. He also noticed fewer bookings for his shows. He produced an album for singer Sesi. Pete recorded a duet called "Eclipse" with Denisse for her album in 2002.
TV Host and Tributes
On July 9, 2003, Pete announced his new album. He didn't like artists releasing albums too quickly. He wanted people to listen to his whole album. Pete wrote nine songs for the album and included two cover versions. He wanted the album to have a fresh but still Texan feel. He aimed to reach the Mexican music market again. Pete mixed romantic cumbias and pop music with influences from Colombian and rock music. He said he was a "rocker at heart".
In 2005, Pete became a co-host for Enfoque Musical, a TV show in South Texas. Pete took part in Selena ¡Vive!, a big concert celebrating 10 years since Selena's death. Pete performed "Como Te Extrano" at the event. Many people found his performance very emotional, and some, including Selena's mother, cried. Pete was also the host for the 2006 Little Miss Fitness event.
Rock Music and New Collaborations
By 2010, Pete was the lead singer for his rock en español band, Ruido Añejo. The band included Pete, Ojeda, and other musicians. Their first album, Salvación, came out in 2013. It was influenced by bands like Guns N' Roses and Bon Jovi. The album had new versions of "Como Te Extrano" and "Como la Flor". Ruido Añejo played their softer songs at the 2013 Tejano Music Awards to appeal to the traditional audience.
Pete was a judge for a TV competition show called Buscando a la Doble de Selena. He performed at the Fiesta de la Flor events in 2016 and 2017. Pete collaborated on a Christmas music song called "Que Empiece La Fiesta" (2015) with other singers. He also recorded "Se Que Pensabas" with Grupo Quemado.
In October 2017, Pete introduced his new band, Pete Astudillo and Tekno-Mex. The band included Ojeda and other musicians. Sunny Sauceda recorded "Por La Madrugada" (2018) featuring Pete. In 2019, Pete released "El Rey del Ritmo" with Erick Sanchez. Pete recorded a duet with Isabel Marie on "Camina Conmigo" for her album Sigueme (2019).
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tekno Mex canceled their shows in March 2020. Pete was supposed to perform at Selena XXV, a tribute concert, but it was also canceled. In December 2018, Netflix announced Selena: The Series (2020-21), a show about Selena's life. In March 2020, Julio Macias was chosen to play Pete in the series. After the show came out, the Laredo Morning Times said Pete "helped put Laredo on the map".
"Pelón", written by Pete and A. B. for Boyz of Kumbia, reached number 38 on Billboard's Regional Mexican Songs chart in April 2021. By May 2021, Pete had written over 100 songs. In 2021, he released "Separaditos", inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. Pete said the song had a positive message of hope. It featured cumbia rhythms with reggaeton and electric guitar. In 2024, Pete released a corrido (a type of Mexican ballad) called "Esta Es Pa’ Mi Raza". He wanted to release a song about his family and growing up. The song talks about the challenges of the American Dream and his parents' sacrifices. On March 27, 2024, Pete announced that he and Jennifer Peña worked on a song together, which he plans to release soon.
Pete's Music Style and Impact
Pete's songs have a rhythm similar to Selena's famous style. He mixes international influences and pop music into his songs. Pete always tries to create the best music. A. B. said Pete contributed a lot to Selena y Los Dinos' songs. A. B. would often come up with the main idea, and Pete would help write the lyrics. They often wrote about personal stories. The San Angelo Standard-Times praised Pete's albums for his "charismatic voice" and "well-written cumbias and ballads." A writer for The Daily Journal called Pete "the Latino Babyface".
Pete's music style is known for his smooth singing and emotional songwriting. His songs often combine traditional polka music with modern pop, influenced by his childhood in Laredo. Pete listened to rock and roll bands like AC/DC and Iron Maiden, and also international Spanish singers. He also enjoys Van Halen and Rush. Pete had a unique voice and a recognizable look. His long hair, styled in a pompadour, was his trademark. He decided to cut his hair because he wanted a change.
Critics said Pete combined his artistic talent with his singing to create exciting live shows. Pete is known for interacting with his audience during performances. He believes fans come to his shows to be part of the music experience. His performances are energetic and rhythmic. He learned his performance style from Selena. A music critic described Pete's performance as a perfect Tejano moment, mixing traditional roots with modern video culture.
Pete's songs come from his own experiences and show many different emotions. He said not all his songs are sad, and being real is most important. Pete is a careful songwriter who is open to new ideas. He focuses on creating original music that makes an impact. He doesn't rush his work. Pete's mix of Latin music with Afro-Caribbean rhythms charmed audiences beyond Texas.
Even though he is always linked to Selena, Pete is proud of his past. A music critic said Pete was the creative mind behind Selena's sound. He co-wrote Selena's most popular songs, which made him famous in music history. Pete has written or helped write many of the most popular Tejano songs of the 1990s. Billboard magazine noted that Pete's impact on the US Latin music scene comes from his role as a songwriter. Pete was inducted into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame by 2019. Pete said that while he might not be able to sing forever, his ability to write songs will last as long as he lives.
Pete's Good Deeds
Pete performed at the 1995 Texas Tours Tejano Super Car Show. Some of the money raised went to help organizations like D.A.R.E. and Moms Demand Action. Pete visited schools and sang songs as part of the Red Ribbon Week initiative, which promotes healthy choices. In 1998, a magazine highlighted Pete's visits to local schools.
In April 1997, Pete signed autographs at a fundraiser with other singers. For Labor Day 1997, Pete and other artists performed at a concert to help the Corpus Christi Food Bank by collecting food and money. Pete dressed up as Santa Claus to grant a Christmas wish for a girl named Alejandrina Loera. She had shared her worries about affording a Christmas tree or gifts for her children on a TV show. Pete brought gifts to her house and sang Christmas carols for her family. He felt very emotional and believed everyone deserves a happy Christmas.
In October 1999, Pete performed at a free festival that aimed to bring the community together. He also performed a free concert for the Cinco de Mayo celebration in 2000. Pete supported singer Devin Banda after she shared a video about being cyberbullied.
Pete's Personal Life
In 1998, Pete Astudillo and Eva Longoria filmed kissing scenes for a music video, but they were removed later. Pete and Longoria stayed in touch until she moved to Los Angeles in 2000 to become an actress. Pete shares a home with his girlfriend, whom he has been with for 17 years. He considers her his wife, even though they are not married. He also has a 26-year-old stepdaughter, whom he sees as his own daughter.
In April 2015, Pete talked about his music royalties (money he earns from his songs). He said he continues to be paid well because people still buy Selena's albums and songs and request them on the radio. He said the royalties have helped him and his family live a comfortable, normal, and quiet life. He thanked God for being able to provide for his family, calling it "an incredible blessing".
Pete Astudillo's Albums
- Entregate a Mi (1992)
- Como Nadie (1993)
- Como Te Extrano (1995)
- Si Tu No Estas (1997)
- ¿Dónde Estás Amor? (1999)
- El Rey del Ritmo (2001)
- Salvación (2013)
