12/13/2025
We were Guerra's by last name only, not related, but felt like we could have been.
I remember the first time I ever recorded in a studio that wasn't using a 4 track cassette tape! It was at Manny's place off of S Flores, in San Antonio, TX. Huge console, 2 inch tape machine, the whole nine yards. Got to record my FIRST EVER original songs, IN ENGLISH, with Manny. He even let me sit in with him on a couple of sessions with other artists and musicians. I learned SO MUCH from watching him in the studio: recording, mixing, studio etiquette, the whole nine yards. I was blessed to be able to start my recording career with him as an independent artist, then record again at his studio later (over at Amen on Pleasanton Rd) with Brian "Red" Moore doing our 2nd CD for Fonovisa.
Manny always gave me good advice, SOUND advice, and he never sugar coated anything with me. I appreciated that, especially in an industry where most, if not all, are ready to pat you on the back and say "Great job!" without really meaning it. Sometimes, they'll tell you what you want to hear, just to make you happy or just to get rid of you and move you along. Manny wasn't like that with me. He was straight up, told it like it was, and was HONEST and TRUTHFUL, no matter WHAT the situation was. And for THAT, I WILL DEARLY MISS HIM!
Rest in peace, my friend. - JP
Rest in Peace Manny Guerra.
The first to ever record me at 10 years old. The first to sign me at 17 years old to my first record contract. Thank you for showing me how to run the console, for training me in studio work ethic. Thank you for the good and the hard experiences. Im forever grateful.
