Lowrider procession in East L.A. memorializes car club legend
There was a a funeral procession like no other in East Los Angeles on Saturday -- one involving lowriders from as far away as Las Vegas who participated in a 10-mile trek in honor of a car-club legend.
The memorial was for Jesse Valadez, a founding member of the Imperial Car Club who has died of cancer at age 64. Acccording to the Associated Press:
"He loved that car. It was known as the legend of the lowriders," said his brother Armando, 63, who co-founded the Imperial Car Club with Jesse in 1964. "It was his pride and joy. It was his baby."
Mourners, many wearing shirts touting their car clubs, gathered Saturday morning for a service at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, before joining the procession to Rose Hills Memorial Park, 10 miles east in Whittier.
The first Gypsy Rose, a 1963 Impala, was featured in the NBC sitcom "Chico and the Man," which brought customized cars into the national spotlight.
Photo: Visitors to Los Angeles' Petersen Automotive Museum examine Gypsy Rose, a 1964 Chevrolet Impala lowrider, on Feb. 10, 2008. Credit: Associated Press
EDITOR'S PICKS:
Awesome, just awesome, nice to read about such a large turn out for a legend like him..
Posted by: Erik | February 06, 2011 at 07:10 PM
The video doesn’t play. I hope someone can fix itl
Posted by: Apple1 | February 06, 2011 at 10:14 PM
THE 63 WAS THE 1ST GYPSY ROSE,THE 2ND 1 WAS THE 64 THAT CAME OUT IN CHICO N THE MAN
Posted by: BIG VIK | February 07, 2011 at 02:18 PM
Gypsy Rose....WOW legend in the lowrider scence. I'v fallowed lowrider magazine for many years been to every super show in Las Vegas since it left L.A. Jesse's mark on the long life line of lowrider magazine is one of the first that set standards & paved ways on how to live a life of dedication to the lowrider world. I'm writing this comment outta Albuquerque New Mexico (close to Espenolia New Mexico,which alot say to be the lowrider capital.)Happy to see the turn out for his day of rest...that news is being talked about & shared here in New Mexico & im sure through out the midwest...
Posted by: Daniel Martinez | February 09, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Growing up in Los Angeles in the 50's and 60's was made special by the Imperials and the proud heritage of the "community" and the lowriders. Jesse's tribute is not only fit for a "king" but a great statement about the history, respect and tradition that lowriders all over America can look upon coming from East L.A. and feel pride and honor. Here's to Jesse and "the Rose".
Posted by: miguelito | February 13, 2011 at 04:28 AM