Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, established in 1898 by Gaspar Vargas and Manuel Mendoza, gained prominence as Mexico City's official Mariachi band after performing at President Lazaro Cardenas' induction ceremony in 1934. In the years that followed, the group released numerous albums featuring a variety of musical styles.
The band's evolution continued after the passing of Jose Alfredo Jimenez in 1973, with a shift towards new forms of expression in Mariachi music. Under the musical direction of Pepe Martinez from 1976 onwards, Mariachi Vargas showcased innovative compositions that highlighted individual musicians, solidifying their reputation as one of the strongest Mariachi groups in their centennial era.