The Song Planner

Chicano Rock

tagStarted 1958Peak 1958-1975Last big hit still activeFrom Los Angeles, United States

Located in 3 routes

Rock → Global / Regional RockLatin / Música Latina → Latin Rock / Rock en EspañolLatin / Música Latina → Tejano / Tex-Mex / Chicano Latin

Mexican-American rock and roll from East LA and the Southwest - doo-wop, R&B and garage-rock cut with Latin rhythm and barrio identity. From Ritchie Valens' rock-ified rancheras to the 'Eastside Sound' of brown-eyed soul, organ-driven instrumentals and lowrider oldies. Soulful, danceable, rooted in community pride and crossover ambition.

History

Ritchie Valens' 1958 'La Bamba' launched it, turning a Veracruz folk song into rock and roll. East Los Angeles incubated the 1960s 'Eastside Sound' - Cannibal & the Headhunters, Thee Midniters - blending R&B with Mexican-American identity. Los Lobos carried the tradition into roots-rock from the 1980s, scoring the 1987 'La Bamba' film hit.

Defining artists

Essential listening

← Explore Rock

Sources

  • AllMusic: Chicano rock
  • Wikipedia: Chicano rock
  • Smithsonian Eastside Sound features
  • Rolling Stone Ritchie Valens coverage