Héctor R. Uriarte Jr., also known as "Chang'o," is a musician, songwriter, and storyteller based in Visalia, California, whose life and artistic career trace a profound journey of identity, resistance, and cultural reclamation. Born in Guadalajara in 1962, Héctor immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of eight, settling in Visalia’s north side—a predominantly working-class immigrant community. Growing up, Héctor experienced the complex realities of assimilation. His siblings navigated their Chicano identities differently, but for Héctor, assimilation came with a sense of conflict.  

Héctor’s musical journey began in church, playing bass in a Spanish-language choir led by his father, one of Visalia’s first Spanish choir directors. His early musical experiences were rooted in the charismatic Catholic movement of the 1970s, blending religious themes with popular Latin sounds of the era, such as El Chicano, Malo, and Santana. At 15, he joined a Christian Latin rock band that traveled throughout California's Central Valley, performing at retreats and religious gatherings.

Héctor’s evolution as a songwriter mirrors his personal journey toward embracing his Chicano identity. Initially writing love songs and Christian music, his themes gradually shifted toward social consciousness, protest, and introspection. With time, he found his voice as a chronicler of the Chicano experience, using music to address issues, such as racism, cultural loss, and political resistance.

In the early 2000s, after returning to college and earning a bachelor's degree in social work, Héctor formed the band Pa’Chango with his sons. The group stood out for its commitment to original compositions, combining traditional Chicano influences with modern sounds, influenced by Latin rock and infused with Héctor’s poignant lyrics. A major artistic breakthrough came with his development of musical theater projects, which explore the complexities of Chicano identity across generations, weaving personal experiences with broader historical and cultural narratives.  

Now in his early 60s, Héctor Uriarte continues to perform, mentor young musicians, and develop new projects that blend music, storytelling, and activism. Beyond performance, Héctor sees his work as a tool for education and empowerment, stressing the importance of passing down Chicano history to younger generations, especially in the face of gentrification, racism, and cultural erasure.