El Chicano

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.

El Chicano
Origin	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Brown-eyed soul, chicano rock, funk
Years active	1969–2000
Labels	MCA
Past members	Bobby Espinosa Freddie Sanchez Mickey Lespron Andre Baeza John De Luna

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.

On June 25, 2019, The New York Times Magazine listed El Chicano among hundreds of artists whose material was reportedly destroyed in the 2008 Universal fire.[6]

Members

• Ersi Arvisu, lead vocals
• 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., 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, guitar; died December 29, 2020
• Steve Salas, vocals
• Freddie Sanchez, bass – 1970 [7][8][9][10]

Discography

Albums

Year	Title	US[11]	US R&B[11]	US Jazz[11]
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[11]	US R&B[11]	Easy Listening[12]	AUS[13]
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

• Chicano rock

References

1. "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. Rosen, Jody (June 25, 2019). "Here Are Hundreds More Artists Whose Tapes Were Destroyed in the UMG Fire". The New York Times. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
7. World Music Central November 7, 2010 Rock Timbalero Rudy Regalado Dies at 67 By Les Moncada
8. LA Music Awards Jerry Salas
9. Mark Guerrero El Chicano: Latin Rock Pioneers by Mark Guerrero
10. The Cuban History.com WALFREDO REYES, Jr. Musician, “Santana” conga drum player. (born in Havana) ** Walfredo Reyes, Jr. músico, congas. (nacido en La Habana)
11. "Awards by El Chicano". Allmusic. All Media Guide. Retrieved 11 October 2015.
12. Whitburn, Joel (2002). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961-2001. Record Research. p. 85.
13. 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.

External links

• El Chicano discography at Discogs
• El Chicano at IMDb