After the Ortiz family settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico, their first musical foray was as the Ortiz Trio, evidently consisting of siblings Ruben Ortiz, Anita Ortiz and Steven Ortiz.  Ruben described the music as “Ranchero style and Bolero style”.  

After they moved East, the band’s name was changed to the Coronados; Ruben changed his name slightly to Reuben Ortiz, and Steven Ortiz masqueraded as a brother-in-law, rather than a brother, by the name of Steven Coronado.  Sources vary, with some saying that Anita Ortiz continued in the Coronados; but at least by 1965, Reuben’s wife Ginger Ortiz was on board.  The Coronados recorded numerous 45’s and one album, called Hey, Love!; their music was released on Jubilee Records and RCA Victor Records.  

Meanwhile, the four teenaged children of the bandmembers in the Coronados – who sometimes appeared with their parents on stage – were being attracted to rock music and began singing and performing together as the Real Americans.  Gilbert Ortiz (now known as Gil Silverbird), Perry Ortiz and Mark Ortiz are the sons of Reuben Ortiz and Ginger Ortiz; Joerey Ortiz is the son of Steven Ortiz.  Reuben Ortiz encouraged them in this endeavor, and he recorded the songs that they were writing using a company that he had formed earlier having the innocuous name of Recording Artists, Inc.  Ginger Ortiz began singing with the Real Americans as well, supplying the high vocals that Perry Ortiz was beginning to lose as he matured.  

(August 2013)