One year ago: Bobby Espinosa of El Chicano

Bobby Espinosa, the keyboard player who helped create the "Brown sound" of East L.A. band El Chicano, died one year ago at age 60.

It's a good opportunity to revisit some of El Chicano's hits, including "Viva Tirado Part I" (seen in the YouTube clip above), "Sabor A Mi" and "Tell Her She's Lovely."

Have a favorite El Chicano memory? Let us know by posting a comment below.

RELATED:

Obituary: Rudy Regalado, percussionist of Latin bands El Chicano and Chevere

Obituary: Bobby Espinosa dies at 60; keyboardist for 1970s Latin soul band El Chicano

-- Claire Noland

 

 

 

Comments

[East Los Musica]

I remember the old East L.A. battle of the bands. Musicians from Los Lobos, Tierra, Thee Midnighters, among many, many more would perform on a weekly basis. Before DJ's live music was all we had and we had some great musicians. Although the bulk of these musicians inherited their talent from a long line of Mexican family musicians, just like Carlos Santana - all their skills were honed in a public school setting. Griffin Jr. High had the best music program in the district as evidenced by the legacy of the Garfield High band. Music drove the youth as we drove our lowriders down Whittier Boulevard. Who says public funding of the arts doesn't enahnce communities?