Gatesville Country Music Hall of Fame set to induct two singers
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 20 2009 05:26 AM
From staff reports
The Gatesville Country Music Hall of Fame officers will induct two singers today into its distinguished lists of vocalists.
Frank Arellano and Olga Peña; will be inducted as honorary members of the hall of fame for their musical contributions to the community. They each will perform several songs at the induction program at 7 p.m. at Gatesville's City Auditorium at 110 N. Eighth St.
Arellano started singing and playing guitar about 15 years ago while serving in the U.S. Army. He entered a talent contest and won – up until then he had never thought of a musical career but now that is what he has. Arellano said the first time he held a guitar he knew music was in him.
Arellano's singing style is influenced by such legends as Merle Haggard, Johnny Rodriquez and George Jones and has found a footing among today's great artists including Travis Tritt and George Strait. Arellano resides in Killeen with his wife, Diana.
Peña, managing editor of the Killeen Daily Herald, began singing at age 3. The bilingual journalist is also a Christian music recording artist and songwriter who has won dozens of vocal performance awards including the N.C. Alsup Award at Louisiana College in operatic competition, New Jersey Network's Ceilia Cruz Vocal Award, and Miss Louisiana/Miss America Talent Competition Winner twice.
Peña has a CD of original music entitled "Romantico," and keeps busy singing in area churches, community programs and local events. She is a dedicated Christian who spent five years in full-time music ministry before moving to Texas in 2005, including traveling with a country gospel music trio.
Active in the Miss America Pageant organization for three years during her collegiate studies, Peña also performed widely as a title holder and volunteered countless hours speaking to more than 4,000 children in various cities in Louisiana on the subject of positive self-worth.
Peña resides in Copperas Cove with her two children: Elizabeth, 7, and Daniel, 6.