Hector Escamilla has received many accolades as a songwriter in Tejano music. He has written many songs for numerous award-winning Tejano
Hector loves to read in order to find inspiration, and often times, his lyrics contain metaphors and symbols that need to be deciphered in order to understand his songs. His writings often times became part of his classroom lectures when he taught poetry and literature.
For most of his life, if not writing and performing with the band, he has taught high school English. An accomplished educator, he holds a Bachelor’s and Master of Arts degree from Stephen F Austin State University. He has received awards in this profession as well, such as the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award presented by The University of Texas at Austin. The majority of his career as an educator was with Carrizo Springs C.I.S.D. teaching English, serving as the English department chairman, and leading an award-winning U.I.L. program as the district Director. He has also been an adjunct instructor for Southwest Texas Junior College.
Hector Escamilla and his brothers, Mario, Ramiro, Jose, and Ruben are the original members of Grupo Aguila, which began in Crystal City, TX in 1956 as Los Aguilas de Texas. They had a vision of creating their own music. Hector, the drummer, also had a songwriting talent. He wrote a song titled “Mil Disculpas”, and the band decided to record their original music in 1963. The success of the band is attributed to the love and support the brothers have for each other. Other original hits such as “Eres Mia” followed in 1965 recorded 
for Bego Records. The Escamilla brothers never changed the name of the band in 50 years, only modified it as they paved their way through the music industry. They originated as the conjunto Los Aguilas de Texas with Mario (Accordion), Hector (Drums) Ramiro (Bajo Sexto), and Joe (Bass). When they added keyboards to the band, also played by Mario, they became only Los Aguilas. Ruben, the youngest brother, joined the band in 1980. Joe Escamilla passed away in 1984 but the brothers remained committed to their talents and their music with the support of their parents. When they signed with CBS (Sony Discos) in 1991, during the height of the Tejano Music explosion in Texas, they became Grupo Aguila. Hector is the exclusive songwriter for all of the band’s recordings.
Grupo Aguila released their last album “Libres Como El Viento” in 2003. However, several albums have been re-issued by their record labels throughout the years. Capital/EMI has re-issued the album “Pajaro De Lujo” three times, as late as 2013. Many top Tejano artists have also covered some of their music including Ram Herrera, Shelly Lares, La Fiebre, and Ruben Vela who recorded “Tus Modos” which had nationally charted at number one by Grupo Augila.
In 2017 the Escamilla Brothers were inducted into 2017 Tejano R.O.O.T.S. Hall of Fame. Mario, Hector, Ramiro, Joe, and Ruben Escamilla received the Pioneer Award for their contributions to Tejano music which spans over 50 plus years. The induction ceremony was held in Alice, TX, home of the Tejano Roots Museum, in January 2017. The acronym R.O.O.T.S. stands for “Remembering Our Own Tejano Stars”. The Hall of Fame inducts individuals and groups who have made a significant contribution to the history of Tejano Music. Mario, Hector, Ramiro, and Ruben Escamilla humbly accepted their induction along with Joe Escamilla, Jr. who received the posthumous award for his father.
Each one of the brothers, at one time or another has been approached by other bands to perform with them. However, the brothers have always been faithful to their commitment and to their motto, “together we fly, or together we fall.” In the last few
years, the band has performed at only private and family occasions as brothers, the original members of the band with Mario Escamilla who has always remained a lead singer of the band. Hector also continues to work on various projects with top Tejano artists.