Hernández told the Stockton Record in 2015 that he was born "in a three-wall, dirt-floor garage ... on a cold stormy night," the seventh of 13 children.
Hernández got his start at 13 when his cousin, David Coronado, recruited him to play guitar for his Latinaires.
Other Grammy nominated albums include Timeless (1988), 1993's Que Paso (1993), Little Joe y La Familia 2000 (1999), and Celebration of Life Vol.1 & Vol.2 (2003).
Hernández has said he was greatly influenced by Beto Villa, the originator of orquesta Tejana that generally features trumpets and saxophones, as opposed to conjunto, which relies on accordions.
As a member of Texas' Tejano Hall of Fame, he has been entertaining audiences around the world for more than 50 years, on 70 albums and in countless shows.
Little Joe had to leave school after 7th grade for migrant work, and all of his education after that was gained through experience.