(The Royal Jesters have been influential and instrumental not only in the history of Tex-Mex but also pop/rock music in Central Texas. The albums, the awards and the accolades are too many to list but here our correspondent Ramon Hernandez provides this update on Lawson's critical condition.)

Óscar Lesley Lawson has suffered a massive stroke and officials say he needs to survive major surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain.

UPDATE 1/7: No change in status - Bobby Galvan

UPDATE 1/6: According to cllose family friend Bobby Galvan, Lawson was given last rites Thursday morning. "I was at hospital this morning (01.06.11) with Oscar and his wife, Rosemary and their children when the priest gave him the last rights." However a decision to have surgery has not been made. His family has hopes that it will not be necessary.

According to Robert González, Lawson was in the shower on the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 5 when he experienced the stroke. 

Please check back for updates.

Besides being a personal friend,