Darren Cordova
Vocalista
Darren Martin Cordova was born on May 20th 1966 in Dixon, New Mexico to Jose Nerio Cordova and Margie Maria Cordova. In 1987, Darren bought his first guitar. He was determined to learn to play
and sing at the same time.
In 1988, Darren Cordova, along with his father and brothers, formed the group "Los Cordova's". This group included his brothers Daniel Cordova, Darrell Cordova, and father Joe Cordova. The group recorded their first album in 1989 entitled Los Cordova's "Mala Novia". After this recording, the group became very popular throughout the southwest states. The group performed in states
such as Colorado, Utah, Arizona and Wyoming.
In 1991 at the New Mexico Hispano Music Awards show, Darren Cordova received the Male Vocalist award and Cassette of the Year award for his second release entitled "A Mi Ley". Under group name Los Cordova's, Darren recorded five cassettes and one cd.
In 1993 Darren formed "Darren Cordova y Calor" which has become a household name in the Spanish Music scene. The first recording under the new name was entitled "Cantinero" a song that Darren wrote. For this recording, the N.M.H.M.A. awarded Darren with "Song of the Year" and "Cassette of the Year".
In 1994 "Darren Cordova y Calor" released their second CD entitled Quiero Mas. This recording included the hit song "Mi Amigo" written by Darren Cordova also known as "Dos o Tres Tequilas". Darren recorded this song with the "Godfather of New Mexico Music", Al Hurricane. When Darren Cordova y Calor performs the song "Mi Amigo" live you are sure to see the fans sing along word for word. Later that year the group was awarded "Band of the Year".
In 1995 Darren released "Darren Cordova con Mariachi". This recording was special to Darren since he grew up listening to his favorite artists such as Vicente Fernandez, Jose Alfredo Jimenez,
and Cornelio Reyna. This CD includes songs interpreted from these legendary artists. For this Mariachi recording, Darren was awarded "Male Vocalist of the Year" and "Song of the Year".
In 1997 Darren built his own recording studio where he recorded the CD entitled "Pienso En Ti". This CD includes hits such as "Que Levante La Mano", "Ganas de Mirarla", "Pienso En Ti". With this recording Darren gained national recognition as he was featured in the "Antenna Magazine" and considered to be the #1 seller in New Mexico according to record stores throughout. Later that year, the group again was awarded "Band of the Year".
In 1998 Darren Cordova Y Calor released their 14th recording "Vas A Ver" this CD includes various hits including "Mi Vida Nueva" a song written by Darren exclusively for world boxing champion Johnny Tapia. Mi Vida Nueva is played during Johnny Tapia's fight introductions. Johnny has become a close friend to Darren and refers to his music as "Musica del Corazon". Tapia, because of his love for Darren's music actually trains to this music on a daily basis. Darren Cordova received the "Producer of the Year" award for this CD.
2000 was the ten-year anniversary since the first recording. Darren at age 34 was the youngest recipient of the New Mexico Hispano Music Awards and New Mexico Entertainers awards Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is given only to distinguished musicians who have made a significant difference and contribution
to New Mexico Music. Also in 2000 Darren Cordova Y Calor released their 14th recording entitled "Te Extrano Mama". This CD sold very well throughout the southwest and once again received many
awards at the New Mexico Hispano Music Awards. Darren swept the Awards Show 2000, winning seven out of nine award nominations The Awards included “Song writer of the year” (Te Extrano Mama a song composed exclusively for Johnny Tapia), “Producer of the year”, “Traditional Ranchera of the year” (Que te vaya bonito), “ Song of the year” and “Best Original Song” (Te Extrano Mama), “CD Cassette of the year”, and “Band of the year”.
In the summer of 2001, Darren released his fifteenth recording entitled “Otra Vez Con Mariachi”. This release reflected his passion for Mexico's authentic music heritage. Songs from this release include interpretations from artists and composers such as Juan Tavares, Cornelio Reyna, and Jose Alfredo Jimenez.
Darren Cordova often shares his professional experience in music and production with other musicians starting in the music industry by producing and recording their music at his recording studio DMC Records.
In May of 2003 Darren Cordova Y Calor released their Sixteenth recording entitled “ No Me Digas Adios”. Currently the CD is being received very well throughout the southwest. At the 2003 New Mexico Hispano Music awards this production received many awards including “CD of the year”, “Band of The Year”, “Song of The Year”, “Best Original Song of The Year”, and “Songwriter of The Year”.
In 2006 at the New Mexico Hispano Music Awards, Darren Cordova Y Calor was once again honored with the “Band of The Year” Award.
In October 2006 Darren released his 17th recording entitled “Antes de Ti” this CD features his daughter Dynette Marie and son Darren Lee each singing a song on this CD. At the New Mexico Hispano Music Awards show held January 20th 2007 Darren received the Male Vocalist of the year award and traditional ranchera (Por Tu Culpa) of the year
Aside from his musical career, Darren Cordova owns Taos Stereo Pro Musician’s Supply, a full line music store in Taos N.M. Darren also owns Cordova Mobile Home Park in Taos NM. Because of Darren’s success which he accredits the people, in July of 2001 Darren Cordova entered into a purchase agreement with Alpine Broadcasting Ltd of Idaho to purchase two Taos NM radio stations (KXMT 99.1 Adult Rock and KKIT Country). Since Darren is so loyal to the New Mexico heritage and culture he immediately changed the format on KXMT 99.1 to the first 24hr. Spanish radio station in Taos New Mexico’s history. KXMT 99.1FM also known as “Radio Exitos” plays the best in New Mexico, Regional Mexican, Tejano, and Mariachi music. He has also since then changed the format on KKIT 95.9FM from country to Adult Contemporary Rock. In 2004 Darren upgraded “Radio Exitos” to 100,000 watts, which now covers Southern Colorado as well. In 2005, DMC Broadcasting aquired two additional radio frequiencies and created KKTC 99.9/100.7 FM True Country and KVOT 1340AM progressive talk radio.
Darren Cordova is constantly involved with the youth and the community. In March of 2006 Darren was elected a four year term to the city Council of Taos N.M. In addition, he is often a guest speaker at schools talking to the kids about the importance of staying in school, staying off drugs, listening to their parents and teachers, etc. In fact, he often motivates the students by offering them a free CD to those who show an improvement on their next report card. When asked why he devotes so much time to the
youth, Darren says because he has children of his own and also because they are our future.
At a Darren Cordova y Calor concert, Darren constantly shows his appreciation for his fans. He does this by never leaving the show until everyone wanting an autograph receives one. He also constantly praises the fans for the group's success.
Whenever Darren Cordova y Calor is in your area look out for a spectacular show and be sure to get your tickets early because capacity crowds are sure to be expected.
