SALUTING EASTSIDE MUSIC LEGENDS

On Sunday, October 23,2011, Mi Hacienda in Pico Rivera, California plays host to another walk down memory lane with the Eastside Sound. The show features three artists already spotlighted on YFTES as well as the Premiers.
  Chan Romero ("Hippy Hippy Shake"), The Story Tellers ("You Played Me A Fool") and The Heartbreakers ('Cradle Rock") provide what should be a wonderful night of music & memories. Show starts at 2:00 P.M. If you live anywhere near the PR area you won't want to misss this one.

Chan Romero at Mi Hacienda (10/23/11)

The Story Tellers at Mi Hacienda (10/23/11)

The Heartbreakers at Mi Hacienda (10/23/11)

Photos courtesy of Rosalie Luna Hernandez.

Gracias Rosalie!!


NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!!

Soley for historical, educational & listening pleasure.

EASTSIDE LEGENDS - THE HEARTBREAKERS

EDITORS NOTE: This text was recently revised thanks to me meeting Benny & Joe.

Brothers, Benny & Joe Rodriguez were born in El Paso, Texas. At ages 6 and 4 respectively their father taught them vocal harmony.

When Benny was 14 and Joe was 12, they moved to East Los Angeles where Benny attended Roosevelt High School. They were discovered by Billy Cardenas (more on Billy later) who was the manager of the group, the Romancers. The Romancers were under contract to producer Bob Keane.

 At Paul Buff's Pal Studio in Rancho Cucamonga, California they recorded "Cradle Rock" and "Everytime I See You". "Cradle Rock" was a re-make of a song recorded by the Rhythm Heirs on the Yucca label in 1959. The flip side "Everytime I See You" was co-written by Frank Zappa and Ray Collins (of Little Julian Herrera & The Tigers). The record was released on the Donna label (Donna 1381) in 1963.

You May Listen To The Heartbreakers "Cradle Rock" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL7Sk1rwqgk

You May Listen To The Heartbreakers "Everytime I See You" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_ZQEjNs9OU

The Heartbreakers al recorded in 1963, "Leavin' It All Up To You" and "Corrido Marsh" on the Brent label (Brent 7037). "Leavin' It All Up To You" was a remake of the Don & Dewey hit & "Corrida Mash" was a rockin' instrumental. These two songs were produced by Bumps Blackwell of Little Richard fame.

In 1964 the Heartbreakers recorded "Please Answer" and "She Is My Baby" for producer Eddie Davis and the Linda label (Linda 114). "Please Answer " was penned by Benny. "She's My Baby" was penned by Larry Tamblyn. On these two tracks, they were backed by The Mixtures, a mixed-race band from Pomona, California.

You May Listen To The Heartbreakers "Please Answer" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgFgoYCEmeA

You May Listen To The Heartbreakers "She Is My Baby" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLOGNcZkqs0

"She Is My Baby" is also available on the highly recommended CD "Frankie Firme Presents 16 Rare & Golden Treasures"  From The Vaults Of Rampart Records at this East LA Revue link:

http://eastlarevue.com/store.php

Both Benny and Joe have college degrees. Benny in Chemistry and Joe in Education

In 2015, the Heartbreakers released a compact disc entitled "Greetings From East Los Angeles"
SEE MY POST - KEEPIN' THE MUSIC ALIVE - THE HEARTBREAKERS

The Heartbreakers are yet another act to be very popular at El Monte Legion Stadium. Today they are still playing local gigs as they will be in Pico Rivera on October 23, 2011 and also at the Legends Of Chicano Soul Show in December 2011 at the Gibson Ampitheater.

Two of the finest gentlemen I have ever met.

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!!!

Solely for historical, educational and listening pleasure.

EASTSIDE ARTISTS - THE APOLLO BROTHERS

The Apollo Brothers were Ruben Guevara from North Hollywood High School and Paul Amarillas from Bosco High School in Montebello, California. They began as a three-vocal group called the Vanteens but soon became a duo. They took their name from a car club called "The Apollos In The Valley"

  In 1961 they recorded "My Beloved One" and Riot on the Cleveland label (Cleveland 108). The doo wop-teen ballad "My Beloved One" got heavy airplay on radio staion KDAY with Alan Freed.

  The popularity of the song got the Apollo Brothers numerous gigs in the Los Angeles and Long Beach areas and they were a big hit at El Monte Legion Stadium.

You May Listen To The Apollo Brothers "My Beloved One" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UaMjyfqiss

In 1968, Frank Zappa released a concept album titled "Cruising With Ruben & The Jets", with members of the Mothers Of Invention taking on the personas of a fictional 1950s doo-wop group. Ruben Guevara approached Frank Zappa following a concert to tell him how much he loved the album, pointing out that he shared a first name with the album's fictional lead singer, and that Guevara had performed music of the doo wop style

. Two years later, Zappa suggested that Guevera start his own band, and eventually gave approval for the band to be named "Ruben and the Jets". We will explore the band, Ruben & The Jets later on.


NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!!!

SoleLy for historical, educational and listening pleasure.

EASTSIDE LEGENDS - THE STORY TELLERS

The Story Tellers were (left) Ruben Ochoa - bass & baritone, (center) Nick Delgado - first tenor & lead, (right) Al Sanchez - second tenor & lead and (not pictured) Sal Delgado - second tenor & bass. Ruben, Nick & Al were part of the high school glee club.

  They started as a group called The Pretenders while attending San Gabriel Mission High School in 1958. Ruben Ochoa && Al Sanchez were cousins.

  Norty Beckman, owner of Norty's Records on Faifax Avenue in Los Angeles heard the group singing at a gig in Long Beach signed them to a contract & changed their name to The Story Tellers.

  In 1959 the group recorded "You Played Me A Fool" and "Hey Baby". The record was first released on the Zenith label (Zenith 101) and the on the Stack label (Stack 501). At the same recording session they also backed Jess Davis & the Flashes and Freddy Flynn & The Flashes on their recordings. The record got a lot of local air play on late night shows & today is a highly sought-after record by collectors.

You May Hear The Story Tellers "You Played Me A Fool" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VjiM_tgJd0

According to Al Sanchez, they had wanted to record a remake of The Rivileers' "A Thousand Stars," but Beckman nixed the idea. Not long afterward, the song was a major hit for Kathy Young & The Innocents.

The group reunited in 1990 to record three singles for Bruce Patch's Classic Artists label. The are some of the finest doo wop tracks to come out of the Los Angeles area.

The first single was "Please Remember My Love" and "Gee But I Like Your Smile" Classic Artists 118

You May Listen To The Story Tellers "Please Remember My Love" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX1fCJPPFrY

You May Listen To The Story Tellers "Gee But I Like Your Smile" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BahVbTbe_fc

In 1991 they recorded the second single "Heaven's For Real" and "This Is Goodbye" Classic Artists 128

You May Listen To The Story Tellers "Heaven's For Real" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR7e1PI9cek

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_OEmgcE6Cw

In 1992 The Story Tellers recorded their third single "Heart For Heart" and "The L.A. Shuffle" Classic Artists 133

You May Listen To The Story Tellers "Heart For Heart" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB1rEs2LK6Y

You May Listen To The Story Tellers "The L.A. Shuffle" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLHesvGlJtY

The three Story Tellers 45's on Classic Artists are also available on red wax.

In 2007 the Story Tellers recorded "Rosie", a tribute to Rosie Hamlin of Rosie & The Originals for a benefit concert in her honor.

More information on the Story Tellers here:

http://www.colorradio.com/story_tellers.htm

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!!

Solely for historical, educational and listening pleasure.

LATIN LEGENDS LIVE

The Eastside Sound comes to Anaheim, California this Saturday night, September 24, 2011 featuring three of East LA's finest acts. Tierra, El Chicano & Thee Midniters take the stage at the House Of Blues. It will certainly be a night to remeber and a show you won't want to miss. Re-live the music & memories of a day gone by with the Latin Legends Live.

EASTSIDE LEGENDS - THE SISTERS

The Eastside Sound can be heard once again at Nick's Taste Of Texas in Covina, California on September 17, 2011 as they celebrate Mexico's Independence with a show headlined by Ersi Arvisu and The Sisters.

Come & join in on the sights & sounds of East LA. Nick's Taste Of Texas is a great vevue for a show. Great Texas style food, beer & all your favorite adult beverages. Large floor to dance the night away. It's a show you won't want to miss.

I have tried to do my posts in somewhat of a chronological order but I will deviate a little with this post in honor of The Sisters appearance at Nick's.

The Sisters are a vocal trio made up of Ersi, Rosella and Mary Arvisu. They grew up in East Los Angeles, California. Their parents were musical performers and The Sisters would accompany them on some of their gigs to sing. As they learned to sing R&B they became known as the Eastside's answer to Motown's Supremes. They were also influenced by Martha & The Vandellas and The Ronettes.

  Rosella was discovered singing at a high school show by manager/producer Billy Cardenas. She told Billy that she had two sisters. The group became part on The Romancers stage show & also recorded with the band, The Blue Satins.

  Billy Cardenas took the girls to Bill Keane at Del-Fi Records and in 1964 they recorded "Gee Baby Gee', (a cover of the song the Butterfly's recorded for Red Bird) and "All Grown Up" (A cover of The Crystals hit).  (Del-Fi 4300) "Gee Baby Gee" became an instant Eastside classic.

You May Listen To The Sisters "Gee Baby Gee" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1TiqeGYq6E

You May Listen To The Sisters "All Grown Up" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa-gdWrHlNo

Their next single also recorded in 1964 was "Ooh Poo Pa Do" and "Happy New Year Baby" (Del-Fi 4302). On this single they were backed by the band, Ronnie & The Casuals. "Ooh Poo Pa Do" was a smash hit for Jesse Hill in 1960.

You May Listen To The Sisters "Ooh Poo Pa Doo" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMU-OE_8a4U

You May Listen To The Sisters "Happy New Year Baby" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK-P8i6vxvs

Their third and last record "Wait Till My Bobby Gets Home" ( cover of the Darlene Love smash hit) and "For Sentimental Reasons" (in my opinion The Sisters best recording) (Del-Fi 4306) was also the final release for the label.

You May Listen To The Sisters "Wait Til My Bobby Gets Home" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9ZZ_Wo1_qI

You May Listen To The Sisters "For Sentimental Reasons" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFNyJJ5a7yE

Also in 1964 The Sisters would record a song that was never released, "His Name Was John". You may listen to this track here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Un-Unys64&feature=relmfu


All of The Sisters released music can be found on the CD "Del-Fi Girl Groups: Gee Baby Gee" (DFCD 71266). I highly recommend you purchasing their truly fine compact disc.

Here is a rare photograph of The Sisters performing in the mid-1960's:

After their third single the group would break-up. In 1969, Ersi Arvisu would join a band called the VIP's which would later become El Chicano. Ersi would sing on El Chicano's second Album, "Revolution" the classic Mexican standard "Sabor A Mi". Her version of "Sabor A Mi" would become an Eastside classic and my favorite version of the tune.

"Sabor A Mi" would be bootlegged on several labels including Fine Sounds and Black Jack

You May Listen To El Chicano (Featuring Ersi Arvisu) "Sabor A Mi" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpcWW5UIP6Y

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!!

Solely for historical, educational and listening pleasure.

RECOMMENDED READING - ROCK THE NATION

Roberto Avant-Mier is Associate Professor in the Department of Communication, University of Texas, El Paso. His research focuses on the discursive construction of Latino/a identity(ies) as well as cultural issues in popular music and other media. In addition to research on Latino/as and rock music (in various sub-genres), other forthcoming research focuses on rap music and world music.

  In his book "Rock The Nation Latin/O Identities And The Rock Diaspora", author Roberto Avant-Mier looks at the Latino influence in many of rock's genres including the Eastside Sound, Tex-Mex, Hard Rock & even rap.

 

Here is a review fron the GoodReads website:

 

This is an alternative history of rock music, from a Latino/Hispanic perspective, which focuses on the story of the rock genre with an emphasis on identity politics. "Rock the Nation" amounts to a first-time-ever scholarly study of Latino/Hispanic identity through an examination of the history of rock 'n' roll music by linking Latin Rock from the U.S. with Latin Rock music from Latin America. As the author argues, the developments of both U.S.-based Latin Rock music and non-U.S. Latin Rock illuminate several contemporary issues and reveal interesting paradoxes with regard to identity politics (e.g., language, culture, race, class, gender and nationality). Music in Spanish has been used to resist English and the imposition of mainstream U.S. culture in general; yet for Latin Americans, singing in English and adopting U.S. popular culture has allowed youth to resist the hegemonic nationalisms of their own countries (i.e., countering notions of U.S. cultural imperialism). Therefore, in both U.S.- Latin Rock and Latin American Rock music, the rock 'n' roll genre reveals how Latino/a youth use rock music for achieving assimilation to mainstream culture(s) at the same time that they resist the hegemony of dominant culture(s).

 

I have just recently purchased this book and will be back with my own review after I give it a good read.

 

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!!

 

Soley for historical, educational and listening pleasure.