Bobby Naranjo, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family, passed on to his eternal reward on July 27, 2026. He was a loving father, doting grandfather, proud great-grandfather, a wonderful friend, and a legendary musician. His decades-long career as an accomplished accordion player, keyboardist, singer, composer, and bandleader made a lasting impact on Tejano music and won him fans the world over.

Bobby was born on February 24, 1955, to Lucas and Irene Jimenez Naranjo in Rivera, Texas. He grew up in Corpus Christi, graduating from Moody High School in 1970. From his earliest days, he showed a love for music, picking up the accordion at age 3. By age 5, he was already beginning to play for others. His father would take him back to the family ranch in Riviera, TX, where he would play for his aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was so small in those days, they had to sit him on a picnic table so he didn’t have to hold the accordion up. As he grew, he practiced diligently and became proficient by the time he was a teenager. He joined Manuel Solis y Los Solistas, recording his first album with them around 1968. Although he was young, he played with the soul and skill of a much more seasoned player.

He got his first chromatic accordion from Bobby Galvan, of the famous Galvan’s Music in Corpus Christi. As he began to expand his musical toolbox, he created his own distinct style of playing. Around 1974, he teamed up with Cha Cha Jimenez, Juan Solis, Joe Solis, and Ernie Ruiz to form Los Chachos. They released their debut album in 1976. Their progressive, innovative form of Tejano music quickly found a home on the radio. They toured relentlessly, filling up dance halls and ballrooms across the country. Bobby recalled one of his favorite shows being at home in the Memorial Coliseum in Corpus Christi. Seeing so many faces singing and dancing to the music he and his bandmates were playing left a profound impact on him. As the 70’s came to an end, Bobby was ready for a change. In 1979, he released his first solo album, Mi Accordion Y Yo.The album included many original compositions, including a song he wrote for his beloved mother, “Irene”.

In the early 80’s, he started his own band, Bobby Naranjo y Direccion. In 1983, they recorded their first album Sha-Na-Na for Hacienda Records. The band he had was tight and the music was well-written and performed. As the years progressed, Bobby continued to modernize, incorporating more keyboards and a bigger, rock-based sound. His band released Te Voy a Dar Mi Corazon for Cara Records and Put Me In Jail for Hacienda, famously containing his signature instrumental, “Direccion Polka”. In the 80’s and 90’s, he cut several records with the Serrata brothers including classics like Mi Ultimo Romance and Special Edition with Rene and The New Wave and Coming Strong… with Jessy. He had a great working relationship with them over the years, working with them both many times in various musical projects. He also worked as a studio musician and sideman throughout his career, including with Conjunto Bernal, Los Buenos, and Grupo Mayo, to name a few. Although he had health issues in more recent years, he still loved to practice and perform. In 2024, he made his final recording with Jimmy Lee and the Serrata Tribute Band on a song called “Take Me Back Medley”.

Bobby’s innovative accordion playing won him fans the world over and inspired generations of musicians to learn the instrument. He was a trailblazer in Tejano music, and his family is very proud of his legacy and accomplishments. He loved to talk music and to teach others, helping many along his musical journey. He was never selfish with his God-given talents. Bobby was a funny, happy-go-lucky man, quick with a joke, and loved to make people smile. He loved spending time with his family and friends, loved going out to eat, and enjoyed the little things in life.

Bobby Naranjo was preceded in death by his father, LucasNaranjo; his mother, Irene Jimenez Naranjo; as well as many aunts, uncles, and loved ones. He is survived by his loving daughter, Delilah Naranjo (David Duenes); grandchildren, Kimberly Diane Salinas (Shanna Salinas), Victoria Rodriguez (Jaime Rodriguez), and Victor Salinas III; and his great-grandchildren, Marilyn Delilah Rodriguez and Eli Conner Rodriguez.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Rob Gomez for preparing the obituary.

Family and friends are invited to visitation at Treviño Funeral Home, 3006 Niagara St @ Port Ave, on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a Holy Rosary to begin at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place the following day, Saturday, August 8, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery where Bobby will be laid to rest.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jaime Rodriguez, David Dueñes, Mark Pantoja, Victor Salias III, Edward Olgin, Rob Gomez, Daniel Naranjo, and Danny Newman.

To leave your condolences for the family of Bobby Naranjo, share your memories, or visit his tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.