RIP The Latin Soul Party's Danny Valenzuela
KUVO JAZZ is extremely sorry to announce the unexpected passing of radio host Danny Valenzuela on December 13, 2025. He was 77.
Danny Valenzuela grew up in El Paso, Texas, listening to oldies and Tejano music. After attending the University of Texas – El Paso on a music scholarship and a stint in the U.S. Navy as a weatherman, he made his home in Denver because he liked the climate and the changing of the seasons. Valenzuela volunteered with fundraising efforts for KUVO even before the station went on the air in 1985. He met Carlos Lando in the mid-1980s while working as a broadcast engineer. In 1990, he joined KUVO JAZZ as a co-host of the popular show, Canción Mexicana. A year of collaborating with KUVO’s General Manager Carlos Lando, resulted in Danny creating The Latin Soul Party.
Additionally, Valenzuela started Denver’s first Spanish DJ service, Latin Nites DJs. He also hosted “The Super Tejano Show” on KBNO Radio.
His diverse taste in music won him fans across genres. “I especially like Tejano, especially Little Joe, Emilio, Selena, and Grupo Mazz. I like Old School, hence the name MC Cuervo (from when I was an old school club DJ. I like good rock and roll, classic rock, and even heavy metal, like Slayer,” said Valenzuela on the KUVO website.
Danny was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary, and recently by his brothers Eddie and Bobby. Danny is survived by a son, a daughter, natural and adopted grandchildren, a large and loving family, and thousands of friends and fans who love Danny the sounds that he hosted over the years.
Tune in and celebrate the life of a radio icon...
On Friday's edition of The Latin Soul Party (December 19, 2025, 8-10 p.m.), hosts Ricky O, “Jammin Joe” Serna, and “Jedi” George Murad will present the annual Christmas program and include a memorial celebration of Valenzuela’s life, with some of his spoken word recordings and some of his favorite tracks.
On the Sunday, December 28, 2025 episode of Canción Mexicana (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Ricky O, Jammin’ Joe, and Jedi George will join host Debra Gallegos to honor Danny Valenzuela.
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