RECOMMENDED READING - HISTORY OF A BARRIO EAST LOS ANGELES

Though this book does not deal with music, HISTORY OF A BARRIO - EAST LOS ANGELES by Ricardo Romo, it is an insightful look at the story of the East Los Angeles barrio in it's formative years 1900-1930.
  Author, Ricardo Romo examines the resourcefulness of Mexican Americans who attempted to sustain a culture within a culture in the face of social, economic and political dicrimination.
  The foundation that would be built during these years would set the stage for massive migration of Mexicans into Southern California and their involvement in industrial and commercial growth. in the 1950's and 1960's.
Their successes and failures would ultimately lead to expression not only in the political area but also in art, music and literature. Through their expression in music, the East Side Sound would be born.

Ricardo Romo is an author and associate professor of history at the University of Texas at Austin.

The book is readily available and well worth seeking out.