Draft:Oscar Jesus Bugarin: Difference between revisions

Oscar Jesus Bugarin with his Tagima Guitar photo by Andy Strong

Oscar Jesus Bugarin a.k.a. “OJB”, “King of the 12-String, born March 3, 1989 in Hollywood, CA. Mexican-American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and combat veteran. Oscar began playing guitar at an early age of 6 yrs old, inspired by his musical family and Elvis Presley. Known for songs, “Throw My Body”, “Good Day”, “Just The Way It Goes”, and “King” from the band Calling Cadence. After almost 7 years of active duty during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Oscar finally started his professional music career, diving into the music scene in LA, at venues like the Whiskey A-Go-Go, The Mint, and The Viper Room for the Sunset Jam that many players and performers gravitated to from 2016-2019. Working with Joseph Williams initially on his Solo Album “Denizen Tenant” along side legendary guitarist like Steve Lukather and Michael Landau. One of the few artist to record a fully analog record in the 21st century.

Ancestry and Childhood

Oscar Jesus Bugarin is of Mexican descent, from parents Oscar Bugarin Sr. and Shelley Hope Sanchez. Going back at least 14 generations from Mexico, with roots primarily from the state of Zacatecas. Oscar Sr. was born migrated from Tijuana with the Bugarin family in the 60’s and settled in East Los Angeles, where he began playing in bands, a self taught musician and organ player. The Sanchez side of the family has documented at least 4 generations of musicians and artist, united from Sanchez and Cervantes family that migrated from Jalpa, Zacatecas during the mexican revolution.

Chavello Sanchez (bottom left Grandfather of Oscar Jesus Bugarin) with Lucio Magdaleno, Jesus Tenteria, Jesus Valenzuela, and “Strong Coffee”
From Left to Right, Manuel Cervantez, Estrella, Jaunita, Esperanza(grandmother), and David. Family of Oscar Jesus Bugarin, Rancho Sespe California circa 1920’s.

Having a reputation as one of the fastest lemon pickers in Ventura County, teenager Chavelo Sanchez taught himself how to play 12-string guitar to such a degree that he, along with friends Lucio Magdaleno, Jesus Renteria, Jesus Valenzuela and good friend “Strong Coffee,” comprised a talented ensemble in Rancho Sespe during the early 1930s. These minstrels earned elite status among its villagers, for they made weekly trips to Burbank to perform on the popular Mexican radio show “La Chirimia de Don Pedro.” They were, however, not the only gifted musical group living within its famed pastoral setting.
Equally respected among its village residents, the “Orchestra Cervantez,” made up of siblings Manuel, Estrella, Juanita, Esperanza and David Cervantez, were not only gifted musicians, but appreciated teachers of music as well. Celebrations held within the tightly knit settlement honoring Cinco de Mayo, the 16th of September and festive church functions regularly brought these widely held troubadours into close contact with one another. Chavelo Sanchez and Esperanza Cervantes eloped to Ventura, 1933, in a broken-down motorcar, uniting two of some of the most talented Mexican families. These two eventually settled in Fresno, as the rest of the family would eventually grow and settle in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, Ca.

It is also worthy to note that Oscar promotes his Mexican-Indigenous decent. Specifically from the Guachichil tribe, upon research of family history and dan testing. Almost completely erased due to colonization. Oscar makes it apart of his story and artistry to get back to his roots and honor his sacred ancestry.

References

https://m.santapaulatimes.com/news/archivestory.php/aid/28276/It_takes_a_village:_David__91Gordo_92_Sanchez.html

https://boldjourney.com/meet-oscar-jesus-bugarin/

https://www.discogs.com/artist/10696657-Oscar-Jesus-Bugarin?srsltid=AfmBOopFy53pBZ1Utc5AmlRkcXcPj5sRtO8yjv4eohCh0yrb50oPIuNE

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Exit mobile version