The Armenta Brothers, Robert, Manuel & Steve began playing in the 1940 when they were in elementary school. Prodded by their father who gave his sons music lessons, the Armenta threesome formed a group consisting of saxophone, piano & drums. Their music repertoire was strictly Latin: corridos, boleros & rumbas. Another brother, Willie would later join the group at the age of thirteen. Willie's son Angelo would also become a member of the group.
While still in their early teens, the Armenta Brothers added jazz, swing & early R&B to their act and are credited with introducing Chicano R&B to East LA. They became a fifteen piece band & began playing high schools, ballrooms & churches. The band became very popular because of their versatility in playing all styles of music.
The Armenta Brothers did not have a distinguished recording career but did record a 78RPM record for Crown Records, a local LA label. "Marty's Bounce" and "Fatso" were recorded but were more in the swing style than R&B. The record sold modestly around LA but was not aggresively promoted.
In 1952 Sal Chico would join the group as a vocalist. In 1955 Sal would form his own band, The Sal Chico Band. He would later become heavily involved in the Chicano Movement. The Sal Chico Band lives on but it is now called the Chico Band and is fronted by his nephew.
There are two compact discs currently available by the Armenta Brothers, "Remember When" and "Lifetime Achievement"
Track List:
1. The Honeydripper
2. Pachuco Hop
3. Glory Of Love
4. Hide n' Seek
5. Ain't Got A Home
6. Night Train/ All Night long
7. Shake, Rattle and Roll
8. (Just like) Romeo and Juliet
9. The Armenta Brothers' Dollar Dance Medley
10. Miss Jenny
11. Corrido Rock (Aquanta Corazon)
12. Stardust
To purchase these CDs and for more information on the Armenta Brothers please visit their site at:
http://armentabrothers.com/
For more information on the Armenta Brothers:
http://www.elmontelegionstadium.com/armenta_brothers.html
NO COPYRIGHT INFRIENGEMNT INTENDED!!
Solely for historical, education and listening enjoyment.
A special thank you to Willie Armenta who e-mailed me that my information on the original group members was incorrect. I have corrected the information and feel honored & privledged to have received such an e-mail from this fine gentleman & true music legend.
ReplyDeleteMy father grew up in Hazard and the other day we went by big hazard park...he remembered that Sal Chico used to shower at the park...lots of guys did back then...but he used to peactice singing while in the showers...lol what a great memory!
ReplyDeleteThis article doesn't mention that Robert's son, George, and Manuel's son, Martin, each joined the band at the age of 16. George on lead guitar and Martin on base guitar, bringing covers of their favorite hits to the Armenta's all ready extensive repetoire.
ReplyDeleteLis Tulies de Redondo
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information Guy. And a special congratulations to the Armenta Brothers "Lifetime Achievement". The CD is rockin' from stat to finish. Stevie Salas and Hank Castro were great together on "Romeo and Juliet" and the Dollar Dance Medley is a standard. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHello Mr Guy (East LA Guy) think your chanell is great, could you send me the Remember Then CD by The Armenta Brothers by email I would be very happy about it come from Germany and here you have no chance to get the CD would me very much happy god protect you (E-Mail : Der-Pate-93@live.de)
ReplyDeleteMy In laws were married in early 50’s they are now 94 and 89 respectively and had the Hired the Armenta Brothers Orchestra to play at their wedding reception. Would love to have the remaining brothers attend their anniversary in September???
ReplyDelete