By Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media, Photos courtesy of Ricky O

At the end of each broadcast of the award winning Latin Sol Party radio show on KUVO 89.3, Denver’s premiere and only jazz radio station, Danny Valenzuela would finish with a tribute to his late wife Mary. “I still love you Mary and I always will” he would say. Then he would play Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison. The song is a nostalgic look back at youthful romance, innocent fun, and first experiences with love and sex, set against a backdrop of memory.

But this past Friday night, Danny Valenzuela was not on the air. “KUVO JAZZ is extremely sorry to announce the unexpected passing of radio host Danny Valenzuela on December 13, 2025. He was 77.” read the press release sent to Latin Life Denver Media. The cause of death was not mentioned.

Some say that Danny never really got over the loss of his beloved wife and now during the holiday season he just may have died of a broken heart.

“We are taking this pretty hard over here at KUVO,” said Ricky O in a phone call to Latin Life Denver, adding, “We are just trying to keep it together over here.”

Valenzuela was the leader of the gang of the three, sometimes four and sometimes just himself spinning the music that appealed a predominantly Denver Chicano audience but with music that everyone could relate to. There were R&B oldies, Tex Mex, Rock, Mexican and yes Chicano Music. Santana, El Chicano, Los Lobos, Salina and many more were frequently on the air during the weekly two hour production followed by a two hour Latin Soul after party.

Each week, he was joined by his fellow crew of Ricky O, “Jammin Joe” Serna and “Jedi” George Murad. Not only would they play music that brought back youthful memories of all the good times from years gone by but they would share insights and laughs throughout the evening. Everything from the weather to Broncos and just about anything else that came to mind they shared with their loyal following of listeners.

“We do what moves us and play what we want. We talk about what’s on our minds and share with our listeners.” “We were very happy & honored to be named Denver’s Best Radio Show in 2020 by Westword Magazine.” reads a statement on the KUVO website

In presenting that award Westword stated, “Nobody serves up a Friday night get-down on the airwaves quite like KUVO’s Latin Soul Party. Listeners are treated to both good jams and good times as Danny Valenzuela, aka “MC Cuervo,” “Jammin Joe” Serna, “Jedi” George Murad and Ricky O throw down tracks and trade friendly conversation. From Tito Puente and Tower of Power to Selena and the Beastie Boys, Latin Soul Party delivers the perfect ingredients for a create-your-own dance party to jam out to at home, in the car or at the bar. The funky, Latin-influenced playlist is the initial draw, but the show’s secret sauce is the banter between DJs, who carry on in their own Chicano-rooted Denver style. Hop in and turn up the bass.

“I bring over 50 years of live DJ-ing and the music library I have compiled over the years. This means reading the crowd and playing the right music for the party, My passion for working on Latin Soul Party is that we have a very fluid format, which means we actually can play what we want. The show isn’t pre-programmed and is truly live around the planet! This means the groove can be the same, but different! And the music that Chicanos listen to is what we want to present to the listeners, because we listen to all types of music!” said Valenzuela in his staff bio on the KUVO website.

Talking about his life’s work, the press release stated, “Danny Valenzuela grew up in El Paso, Texas listening to oldies and Tejano music. After attending 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 now GM, Carlos Lando, resulted in Danny creating The Latin Soul Party.

Additionally, Valenzuela started Denver’s first Spanish DJ service, Latin Nites DJ’s. 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.”

Danny Valenzuela’s wit, humor and charm will be deeply missed by many, but the Latin Sol Party will continue. On this 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 tunes. Tune in!