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El Chicano

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This article is about a musical group. For the 2019 film, see El Chicano (film). For other uses, see El Chicano (disambiguation).
El Chicano
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresBrown-eyed soul, chicano rock, funk
Years active1969–2000 and 2022
LabelsMCA
Past membersBobby Espinosa
Freddie Sanchez
Mickey Lespron
Andre Baeza
John De Luna

El Chicano was an American brown-eyed soul group from Los Angeles, California, whose style incorporated various modern music genres including rock, funk, soul, blues, jazz, and salsa.[1] The group's name was from Chicano, a term for United States citizens of typically Mexican descent.

History

El Chicano, originally formed by Freddie Sanchez under the name The VIP's arose during a period of increasing Chicano consciousness in America. Their initial hit, "Viva Tirado", was a jazzy soul rock rendition of Gerald Wilson's original song about a bullfighter. The song did very well on Los Angeles radio and remained #1 for thirteen straight weeks. Other notable tracks recorded by El Chicano are the funky "Tell Her She's Lovely" as well as a cover of Van Morrison's 1967 hit, "Brown Eyed Girl".

Original members of El Chicano include Bobby Espinosa, Freddie Sanchez, Mickey Lespron, Andre Baeza, and John De Luna. Ersi Arvisu was lead singer. During the 1970s, new members Rudy Regalado, Max Garduno, Danny Lamonte, Brian Magness, Jerry Salas, Joe Pererria. joined the group.[1]

On their 1970 album, Viva Tirado the group covered Herbie Hancock's jazz standard "Cantaloupe Island". The song was one of nine on the album, which included the hit single "Viva Tirado" that went gold.

El Chicano continues to be active with a combination of original and new members. They performed on the 2009 PBS pledge break special, Trini Lopez Presents 'The Legends of Latin Rock' , along with Thee Midniters, Tierra, and Gregg Rolie (of Santana and Journey fame).[1]

Original keyboardist, Bobby Espinosa ‒ who laid down Hammond organ on some of El Chicano's most recognizable tracks ‒ died on February 27, 2010.[2] Former percussionist, Rudy Regalado, who spent twelve years with the band died on November 4, 2010.[3] Latin percussionist of former Santana renown,[4] Walfredo Reyes Jr., recorded with the band from 2010 to 2012,[5] and is currently performing with the band Chicago.

Members

  • Ersi Arvisu, lead vocals – 1970
  • Eddie Avila, drums (2010–present)
  • Andre Baeza, congas – 1970
  • John De Luna, drums – 1970
  • Bobby Espinosa, organ – 1970; died February 27, 2010
  • Max Garduno, congas
  • Danny Lamonte, drums
  • Mickey Lespron, guitar – 1970
  • Brian Magness, bass
  • Joe Perreria, bass
  • Rudy Regalado, timbales – joined c. 1971; died November 4, 2010
  • Walfredo "Wally" Reyes, Jr., drums, congas (2010–2012)
  • Joseph Baeza, congas (2011–2013); died October 18, 2016
  • David "Chango" Chavez, congas (2015–present)
  • Jerry Salas, lead vocals, guitar – joined in 1973
  • Rudy Salas, vocals – 1970; died December 29, 2020
  • Steve Salas, vocals – 1970; died February 10, 2022
  • Freddie Sanchez, bass – 1970 [6][7][8][9]

Discography

Albums

Year Title US[10] US
R&B[10] 		US Jazz[10]
1970 Viva Tirado
51
19
8
1971 Revolución
178
—
17
1972 Celebration
173
—
—
1973 El Chicano
162
—
—
1974 Cinco
194
—
—
1975 The Best of Everything
—
—
—
1976 Pyramid of Love and Friends
—
—
—
1998 Painting the Moment
—
—
—

Main singles

Year Title US[10] US
R&B[10] 		Easy Listening[11] AUS[12]
1970 "Viva Tirado – Part I"
28
20
10
—
"Eleanor Rigby"
115
—
—
—
1971 "Cubano Chant"
—
—
—
—
1972 "Brown Eyed Girl"
45
—
—
87
"Satisfy Me Woman"
—
—
—
—
1973 "Last Tango in Paris"
—
—
—
—
"Tell Her She's Lovely"
40
98
22
54
1975 "Baretta's Theme"
—
—
—
—
1983 "Do You Want Me"
—
—
—
—
1984 "Let Me Dance with You"
—
—
—
—

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "El Chicano Music : Official Website". Elchicanomusic.com.
  2. ^ "CRN-live.com El Chicano band member joins elite group in Rock and Roll Heaven".
  3. ^ "Latin Rock Timbalero Rudy Regalado Dies at 67". Worldmusiccentral.org.
  4. ^ Santana: Sacred Fire, Live in Mexico (DVD video). Island Def Jam Music Group. 1993. OCLC 47982489. Retrieved May 1, 2013.
  5. ^ "Walfredo Reyes Jr.: Photos". Walfredo Reyes, Jr. Archived from the original on May 26, 2013. Retrieved May 7, 2013.
  6. ^ World Music Central November 7, 2010
    • Larry Chavana, bass (1981–1984)
    Rock Timbalero Rudy Regalado Dies at 67 By Les Moncada
  7. ^ LA Music Awards Jerry Salas
  8. ^ Mark Guerrero El Chicano: Latin Rock Pioneers by Mark Guerrero
  9. ^ The Cuban History.com WALFREDO REYES, Jr. Musician, “Santana” conga drum player. (born in Havana) ** Walfredo Reyes, Jr. músico, congas. (nacido en La Habana)
  10. ^ a b c d e "Awards by El Chicano". Allmusic. All Media Guide. Retrieved 11 October 2015.
  11. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2002). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961-2001. Record Research. p. 85.
  12. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 62. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
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