Sabor Hispano "La tragedia de Lubbock" The Song Recorded about 1970 Tornado

BY CHRISTY MARTINEZ-GARCIA FOR LATINO LUBBOCK MAGAZINE

n On May 11, 1970, Lubbock experienced one of the most destructive events in its history. Some lost family members and others learned lessons of healing and renewal and the sacrifices required to rebuild a community. From 9 months old to 88 years, 26 people lost their lives on May 11, 1970. In addition, according to www. lubbocktornado1970.com, 255 people were injured, and 1,500 people suffered mi nor injuries.

To commemorate the event Gabriel Treviño wrote a song and recorded it.

The musician grew up listening to his dad and family playing Norteño music and was inspired to be like his dad, Abel. And much like his father - family came before everything, even music. He had moved from Seguin, Texas Lubbock, and married his true love Elida Treviño in No vember 1954.

Once they settled in Lubbock, they started their family and raised their eight childrenRudy, Diana, Armando, Ilda, Arturo, Irma, Mario, Aida, and Michael.

Trevino was a farmer by day and musician at night, he played with his Norteño group “Los Bohemios”. During his time as a mu- sician, he recorded several of his original songs with Vega Records.

IMost notable was the song he wrote and recorded to pay tribute to the people lost, as well as to the community that came together to rebuild. He entitled the song, “La tragedia de Lubbock”, which the family said he wrote after the Tornado hit Lubbock on May 11, 1970.

He was proud of the song, and while it never gained any musical accolades, it gained respect from his family – especially his wife, Elida, and their children who were so proud of his accomplishments and wanted to give him recognition and share this story with the Lubbock community.

Gabriel passed away peacefully in June 2, 2010. His song lives on and can be listened to on YouTube at (408) Gabriel Treviño - La Tragedia De Lubbock - Jilguero jil195-a - YouTube

We pay memory to Mr. Trevino for his contribution to remembering that day. As well as to those who lost their lives due to the storm. They were Jose Aguilar, Helen Machado Alafa, Johnny Hobbs Butts, Frank Moreno Canales, Jr., Thomas Andrew Cook, John Stephen Cox, Joseph Glenn Garrett, Shelbey Curtis Glenn, Otilia Gonzales, Dora Bertie Graves, Ola Belle Hatch, Ruth Dobbs Knight, Jose Luz Leyva, Pedro Lopez, Salvadore Jack Lopez, Luther Dale McClintock, Alan Raye Medlin, Dustin Lance Medlin, Kenneth Raye Medlin, Mary June Medlin, Angela Marie Mora, Estefana Guajardo Paez, Frances Elvira Hale Rogers, Aurora J. Salazar, Lillie Amanda Short, and Pauline Ortega Zarazua.