09/12/2026
What a great tribute . Your community missed you Roy!
Legendary Musician and Broadcaster ROY PANIAGUA Passed Away
It is with much sadness that we share news of the passing of our dear friend, legendary musician and radio personality ROY PANIAGUA.
Featured in many award-winning songs and albums, ROY PANIAGUA leaves a rich music legacy dating to the years of Latin Breed, the Royal Jesters, Sunny Ozuna, and more. His studio work as a bass player and as a vocalist is embedded in many classic hits recorded at the iconic Manny Guerra studios. He was also an amazing Radio Personality on KEDA Radio Jalapeรฑo, Production Manager, Commercial Writer, Voice Talent, and Master of Ceremonies.
ROY PANIAGUA started playing professionally in 1957 at the age of 5 years old. He had his first band at age 11, playing BEATLES Music (1963). He continued playing with different bands till high school, including 2 bands in high school โStone Imageโ and โChangesโ.
In 1974 he started playing with legendary JIMMY EDWARD. That was the first time he played on the road. After that, he played with the likes of Jean LeGrand, Campaรฑas De America Mariachi. Little y La Familia, Flaco Jimรฉnez, Freddy Fender, Johnny Rodriguez, Ray Benson, The Texas Tornados and many others.
In the 80s, ROY PANIAGUA also formed part of a band of master musicians for the SPURS, THE SOUND OF THE SPURS.
After life on the road, he went to play with FIVE STAR BAND. Later he would join the MID-LIFE CRISIS BAND from 2015 to 2018. Lately he had been playing with a Jazz and Oldies combo.
ROY PANIAGUA played and recorded music for more than 40 years.
ROY PANIAGUA on the Radio:
1971
Started as a gopher (Go For) at KONO Radio.
1972
Education and Training
San Antonio School of Broadcasting. Aquired Third Class License from the FCC. Then started working at KUKU Radio.
1974 - 1987, 1990 - 2006
KEDA Air Personality on ยดThe Morning Breakfast Taco Showยด with Hector Martรญnez and Mickey ยดLa Hormiga. The show received consistent 5.0+ ratings without subscribing to a ratings company. As Production Manager l wrote scripts, mixed music beds and was the voice talent on many commercials, promos in Spanish, English and Bi-lingual etc. I was recognized in 1974 by the USMC Toys For Tots campaign. 1972 Winner of the Girl Scout Cookie Crunch, 1974 Winner of The Gumbo Eating Contest between radio stations, 1974 Winner of Poteet Strawberry eating competition between radio stations, Honorary Ring Master for the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus. One of the first to ride the Sea World Blimp the week before Sea World opened.
1987 - 1990
Capitol Records Promotions Manager of the Tejano/International Division. Including doing the radio tours with such artist as Selena, Emilio Navaira, Mazz, La Mafia, Vicki Carr and many other artists.
Midlife Crisis, Square 1, performing with Ruben V, playing with Alan Bush( worked with Ricky Nelson) William Caisse from The Klocks. We're called The Power Trio. The Power Trio is now called RAW.
ROY PANIAGUA had been suffering from various health complications and was taken to the ER yesterday with difficulty breathing.
Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, fellow artists and musicians, and to all his fans around Texas.