Robert G. Gallarza

Bob was born on March 10, 1947 in Glendale, CA. He grew up in Pacoima, CA where he graduated from San Fernando Senior High. At the young age of 15, Bob knew he was destined to become a music man. In the late 60’s, Bob freelanced as a guitarist, playing in popular clubs throughout Hollywood. Success quickly followed him when the multi-Grammy Award winning group, The Fifth Dimension, took notice of his exceptional talent and invited him to join the band. For the next 15 years, he toured all over the World performing for the most prestigious audiences including The Iron Curtain, The Queen of England (twice) and The White House (three times).

As a lead guitarist, Bob, had the honor of working with some of the most distinguished artists in history including Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Sammy Davis Jr., Sister Sledge, James Brown, Ike and Tina Turner, Neil Sedaka, Willie Nelson, and many others. As an accomplished record producer and outstanding guitarist, Bob moved to Houston, TX in 1984 to join forces with Little Joe y La Familia. Together they secured five gold albums, three Grammy nominations, a 1991 Grammy Award and three Tejano Music Awards. When Bob moved to Texas he brought his ingenuity with him which allowed his vast experience in mainstream music and “West Coast Sound” to create a polished professional sound to “Tex Mex music. Later to be known as the Quincy Jones of Tejano Music, his influence marked Bob as the pioneer of what “Tejano” music is today.

Bob is survived by his wife of 24 years, Connie Gallarza. He is also survived by his brother, Bill Gallarza; son, David Robert Gallarza; daughter, Sonia De La Cruz; stepson, Mike Kornblum; stepdaughters, Kerstin with husband Chris Williamson and April with husband Brandon Pollreisz. Bob was also survived by his grandchildren, Jr. Rincon, Monique Rincon, Robert Gallarza III, Gabriel Tartaglia, Abigail Tartaglia and Adelyn Williamson.

He was proceeded in death by his beloved father, Robert Gallarza and his beloved mother, Josephine Gonzales.

Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He adored his fans and always appreciated the support they provided him for over 50 years as an accomplished guitarist, producer, and arranger.

Bob’s Celebration of Life will be open to the public and will be held on Thursday, April 29th at WoodsEdge Community Church (25333 Gosling Rd. Spring, TX 77389). Visitation will be from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm and the ceremony will start at 6:00 pm. The service and live music during the visitation will be live streamed starting at 4:30 pm via the following link: https://seatwoodsedge.online.church/

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to help under-served youth explore multicultural music through MECA (Multicultural Education and Counseling Through Arts). https://www.meca-houston.org/donatevolunteer.html