Emilio Navaira returns to the stage

Express-News -

Web Posted: 04/12/2010 10:28 CDT

Grammy-winning Tejano singer Emilio Navaira, left, performs Saturday night during a fundraiser at the Pearl Stable with singer Clay Walker. It was Emilio’s first public performance since 2008. Richard A. Marini/Express-News

Tejano music star Emilio Navaira returned to the stage for his first public performance in two years Saturday night, singing a duet with country music star Clay Walker at the Pearl Stable in the Pearl Brewery complex.In dark pants, a white shirt and his trademark cowboy hat, Navaira sang “It’s Not the End of the World” with Walker and his band. Navaira’s voice was strong, and he acknowledged cheers from the crowd of about 200.

He left the building immediately after the song and did not comment.

The surprise appearance came at the end of a 45-minute set by Walker, who sang for a fundraiser for the Miracle League of San Antonio, a nonprofit organization that runs a baseball league for children with disabilities.

Navaira suffered a lifethreatening brain injury when he crashed the tour bus he was driving from a Houston club date March 23, 2008, and was ejected through the windshield.

In October, Navaira’s son Emilio Navaira IV told the Express-News his father was singing at home.

“We have a little studio at the house. He goes in there on his own. It sounds great.”

According to the May 2009 article, Navaira was suffering from memory and motor skills problems, and he still wore headgear to protect an area where a piece of his skull had been removed.

“I know there will be a day when he will be back on that stage. He’d just rather wear a cowboy hat than a helmet,” his son said.

— Richard A. Marini

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