“Pato” was born on March 5, 1939 in a pueblo named Concepcion de Buenos Aires in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. He was the youngest of three brothers. He started playing music in 1948 at the age of nine with Señor Elias Contreras with whom he got some experience.

After he discovered his love for music he decided to take classes with Señor Aristeo Garcia Cuevas, an uncle of his whom he as with until he was 13 years old, and who played with Mariachi Concepcion. The next year, in 1953, he arrived in México City where he began to work in the streets to make money to eat. After some time looking for a job in the city he became a member of the Mariachi de Miguel Diaz. He played with them in various places such as restaurants, parties and special events.

In 1958, he left this group and became a member of Mariachi Aguilar where the principle voices were Señor Javier Solis and Señor Felipe Arriaga. The group played in the Azteca Bar in Mexico City and later moved to Amanecer Tapatio, the famous place of the Garibaldi. While “El Pato” was working there, Señor Federico Mendez observed him and recommended him to Señor Silvestre Vargas who was in charge of looking for talent for his mariachi.

Days later, Señor Vargas, accompanied by Señor Heriberto Molina (El Cura) visit the restaurant “Amancer Tapatio” to watch and interview Señor Garcia. During the interview, they invite him to become a member of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. He accepted, and since 1960 has been a member of the wonderful legend of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. He has shared the music of Mexico with great pride all over the world. “Pato” forms part of the fourth generation of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán and is considered the best vihuela player in the world.