"Con Alma Chiquitita!"

Don't miss a very special Rancho Alegre on KOOP on Monday, 9/15, as we broadcast the world premiere of our exclusive interview with the legendary "El Escorpion," Agapito Zuñiga.

Recorded in 2012 at his home in Corpus Christi, the interview was conducted entirely in Spanish by our own Frank Cuellar and explored Zuñiga's life and career in Conjunto music in his own words. Fans in the Austin area will probably remember how he used to pack the Rockin' M on 183 south of town, often on double or triple bills with the likes of Johnny Degollado, Ruben Naranjo, Mingo Saldivar and other legends of the time. One of the very few accordionists to play both the button and piano accordions, Zuñiga was known for his corridos (story songs) and his catchphrase "Con Alma Chiquitita!" He officially retired from secular music in 1984 and devoted his life to Christian music and his church thereafter.

Zuñiga will turn 90 in November and is still as sharp as ever. Despite suffering from Parkinson's Disease and despite him telling us upon our arrival that he no longer plays, one of the most remarkable parts of this visit (and one we will treasure until the end of our days) was when he asked his wife to bring him his white Hohner accordion and he allowed us to record him playing "El Aeroplanito."

Along with the audio from the interview, this show will feature a variety of musical selections from his catalog. 

Tune in at 9:00 a.m. Central time to KOOP, 91.7 FM in Austin or online at koop.org.

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