By Gustavo Martir M.A. | Photography Courtesy Rosendo Robles
Rosendo Robles’ journey didn’t follow the typical path from the music centers of LA or Miami; it started quietly in Omaha, Nebraska. For years, he was “just a kid with a dream… and a lot of faith,” building his career through sheer grit, from winning local karaoke contests to hauling his own speakers for small-town gigs. Yet, it was the friendship with a boxing legend that unexpectedly thrust the Mexican-American artist onto the world stage during one of the biggest pay-per-view fights in history. His story is a powerful testament to what happens when perseverance meets opportunity.
Growing up in a working-class Mexican-American household in South Omaha, Nebraska, Robles affectionately calls it a “big, small city.” His early life, which included squeezing into a one-bedroom apartment with his two sisters and later moving to a mobile park, instilled a deep sense of humility. This experience instilled in him the underdog spirit that now defines his music. He recognizes that Omaha isn’t known as an entertainment hub, which is why he feels every performance is like a fight for recognition, proving the doubters wrong who say, “Omaha? Man, ain’t nobody from Omaha. LA is where it’s at.” Robles firmly believes: “I am also a firm believer that you can make it from where you are at.”
Before the microphone, there were the gloves. Bullied as a child, Robles started boxing at age 12 and had a successful amateur career, even beating future world champions. Yet, music was always calling. Fuelled by his father’s vast cassette collection that spanned regional Mexican music, oldies, and Elvis Presley—whom he idolized as “the total package”—Robles eventually committed to the stage. He dreamt of becoming “the Mexican Elvis Presley,” and his first foray was singing with friends. After winning local karaoke contests and appearing on shows like Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento, he realized that pursuing music was “better than getting hit in the face.”
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