Memo Record Shop has one of the most eclectic Latino music collections in the country

Wednesday, September 15, 2021
HOUSTON -- Guillermo "Memo" Villarreal grew up with a love for music and has spent more than 50 years sharing his incredible collection with the city of Houston.

Memo opened his record shop in 1968, selling music you couldn't find anywhere else in the city. He's seen the music industry move from records to 8-tracks to cassette tapes to CDs.

The types of music have also grown. Customers can now find mariachi, conjunto, Caribbean, salsa, merengue, Tejano and much more in the aisles of the store.

Memo Record Shop #1 also has a vast collection of Latin movies.

"If we don't have it, it doesn't exist anymore," Memo said.

Why does Hispanic Heritage Month start on Sept. 15?


Memo's business has grown into a museum of sorts over the years as well, with hundreds of photos, autographs and guitars hanging on the walls.

His most prized possession is a signed guitar from Carlos Santana.

"Music for me, it's my life," Memo said.

From actors to activists, people share stories of celebrating their heritage, expressing their identity as Latino, Latinx, or Hispanic, and representing and embracing their diverse cultures. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with "Our America: Todos Unidos" on ABC Owned Television Stations streaming apps and Hulu.
Our America: Todos Unidos | Official Trailer
Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.