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

Main singles