Don Cruz Lizárraga was a prominent Mexican musician and bandleader, best known for founding the famous mariachi group, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. Born in 1900 in Tecalitlán, Jalisco, he played a significant role in popularizing mariachi music both in Mexico and internationally. His innovative arrangements and dedication to the genre helped elevate mariachi to a respected art form. Throughout his career, Lizárraga collaborated with many notable artists and contributed to the development of traditional Mexican music. He was instrumental in introducing new instruments and styles, which enriched the mariachi sound. His legacy continues to influence musicians and mariachi groups today.