Joel Silva

He was born in 1950 to Berta Pena and Daniel Silva and grew up in Corpus Christi, TX with 4 brothers and 2 sisters. He retired as a master electrician from LyondellBasell after 20 years of service.

Joel the performer. Joel started his musical career as a drummer in 1964 at Wynn Seale Junior High and continued performing with the Battlin’ Buc Band at Roy Miller High school. It was during those years that he heard his calling and expanded his talents and thus, taught himself to play piano.

His talent as a keyboardist made him a sought after musician for live performances and studio recordings among some of the Tejano giants from the 70s and 80s. He toured and performed or recorded on several classic albums for legendary Freddie artists such as Freddie Martinez Sr., Augustin Ramirez, Joe Bravo and groups such as The Lemans, Tejas Band, Quemado, Pio Trevino y Majic, Crossroads, La Onda Airways, Momento and his own project Los Jokers.

In 1985 the Tejano Music Awards in San Antonio, Texas awarded Pio & Majic the honor of keyboard of the year. Joel’s legendary status came to fruition in 2015 when he was inducted into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame. An honor he humbly accepted.

Adding to his resume, in 2005 he stretched his talents and arranging creativity by performing with local R&B, old school and dance band, Another Level, for the past 16 years and most recently also began performing with Motif band. If there was an opportunity for Joel to perform either live or in the studio, his love of music always led him to share his gift.

Joel the friend. Anyone who knew Joel will always remember his big smile, his genuine kindness and his knack for connecting with people and “creating and recording memories”. Joel met no strangers and always made people -- whether family, friends or fans feel like they were important by listening to their stories and sharing a few laughs. His camera was also never far away and he used each opportunity to capture the moment. Three years ago, what started as a couple of fellow musicians/friends having breakfast, turned into the (original) Chapter of Tejano Legends Breakfast Chat. Today, the group meets once a month to reminisce about the good ol’ days. From Joel’s vision, other chapters have formed throughout Texas in the valley, San Antonio and Houston. Joel’s pictures, posts, tags and comments earned him the endearing title of Historian as so many have come to appreciate his “documenting the memory” effort.

Joel the family man. Of all the roles and awards Joel received, he was most proud of his family and the love of his life, his wife, Esmeralda “Esmie” Silva. He is survived by his son, (Randy), his daughter-in-law (Shannon), his grandsons (Randall), granddaughter in-law (Krista) grandson(Duncan Joel) He met Esmie in 1978 and married in 1985. Together, they enjoyed traveling all over the U.S., visiting friends and spending time with their growing family. His son followed in Joel’s footsteps by becoming a master electrician as well – another event that made Joel proud as he spoke of it often. Joel’s memory and legacy will be cherished and kept alive as he had an impact on so many: his family, fellow musicians, friends and fans. We will all remember his catchphrase for years to come “Here! Here!”

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 3, 2021 at 2pm at Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78415

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Paul Tijerina, Noe Tijerina, Joe Tijerina, Rey Tijerina, Sonny Ramirez and Justin Ramirez.

Honorary Pallbearers are Randy Silva, Randall Silva Sharman, and Duncan Joel Silva.