Mission Man Impersonates Famous Mexican Singer Pedro Infante

by Tony Vindell/LFN

There is a Spanish language proverb that goes like this, “de musico, poeta y loco todos tenemos un poco.”

Though it doesn’t rhyme in English, it goes like this, “of musician, poet and crazy we all have a little.”

Just hang around Pedro Martinez to find out some truth in the old saying.

The 70 year old Mission resident loves to sing everywhere he goes and makes himself available for parties of all sorts.

Although that might not be unique to some people, Martinez admires the famous singer and actor Pedro Infante Cruz who died in 1957 and has been long considered one of the best representatives of Mexico’s Golden Age.

Martinez has his own business card wearing a charro outfit similar to one wore by Infante and announces his service as “Puro Pedro Infante.”

Martinez plays the guitar and sings just about every song Infante was famous for as well as corridos, guapangos and boleros.

Born in Torreon, in the Mexican state of Coahuila, he said he learned to play the guitar on his own and when he was 18 and came to this county in 1980.

Asked why he likes Infante so much, Martinez said because he is considered to be the best singer in the entire world.

“Don Pedro Infante has always been my idol,” he said. “He was one of a kind.”

On a recent day, Martinez, his wife Alicia, and others made a trip to enjoy a day at Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island.

People could hear him singing and whistling some of the songs Infante was known for during his career as a singer and actor.

“No one has ever come close to Don Pedro Infante,” Martinez said. “He was the best, not only for me but for millions of people.”