Los Lobos
This group were leaders of the Tex-Mex brand of rock ‘n’ roll, which is Latin-based Chicano music built around accordion and guitar. They were formed in 1974 in Los Angeles by Cesar Rosas (b. 1954, Los Angeles, California, USA; vocals/guitar/mandolin), David Hidalgo (b. c.1954, Los Angeles, California, USA; vocals/guitar/accordion), Luis (Louie) Perez (b. c. 1953, Los Angeles, California, USA; drums/guitar/quinto), Conrad Lozano (b. c.1952, Los Angeles, California, USA; vocals/bass/guitarron) and Steve Berlin (b. c.1957, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA). Their mixture of Clifton Chenier zydeco and Ritchie Valens rock was a totally refreshing new sound. Their debut album came in 1978 with the self-financed JUST ANOTHER BAND FROM EAST LA, although not a hit it was a critical success. The reviewers welcomed their second HOW WILL THE WOLF SURVIVE? with open arms, but still it only made moderate sales. The superb title track vocal has an uncanny resemblance to Steve Winwood. The band continued to receive excellent reviews of their stage act, but it was not until 1987 that they found commercial success. Following their major contribution to the film soundtrack LA BAMBA the title single was released. It became an international number 1 and the first song in Spanish to top the pop charts. LA PISTOLA Y EL CORAZON was a deliberate attempt to go back to their roots following their recent overwhelming profile. KIKO in 1992 was an excellent record, moving them back to a varied rock approach with delightful hints of cajun, straight rock and even soul music.