Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys

High school mates David Hidalgo (vocalist/guitarist) and Louie Perez (drummer) bonded over their love for music, and later recruited Cesar Rosas (vocalist/ guitarist) and Conrad Lozano (vocalist/bassist) to join them in a band in 1973, originally calling themselves Los Lobos del Este. Over a span of four months in 1977, the band was able to record their first album, “Los Lobos Del Este De Los Angeles,” and it was mostly recordings of music spanning from free-form jazz, to Top 40, to parody songs. However, they were not quite satisfied with what they were playing so they started to experiment with traditional Mexican music, and later added elements of rock to the sound.

In 1980 their performance at The Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles garnered the attention of prompter David Ferguson, who hired them to open for Public Image ltd, and in 1983 the band released an EP”…And a Time To Dance” which helped them earn enough money to buy a tour van to set out to the rest of the United States. Their first major label album, “How Will The Wolf Survive?” in 1984 was met with critical acclaim and helped put them on the map.

Throughout the late 80s and early 90s, the band spent time extensively touring around the United States, returning with an album entitled “The Neighborhood” in 1990, followed by “Papa’s Dream” in 1995. The album that followed, “Colossal Head” was equally critically acclaimed, however Warner Brothers decided to drop the band from their roster, leading to Los Lobos signing with Mammoth Records in 1999. After signing with Mammoth, the band found continued success, both with the albums they released, as well as with their live shows through touring.

Formed of three brothers, Henry (guitars), JoJo (bass) and Ringo Garza (drums), the Los Lonely Boys were surrounded by music from an early age, becoming their father's backing band before they had reached their teens. Having relocated back to Texas, US from Nashville, US, the brothers set out on their own, developing their unique style.

In 2003, they recorded their self-titled debut record, which they recorded at Willie Nelson's Austin, Texas, US, studio. Epic Records were impressed by the album, re-releasing it for their major label debut in 2004, finding chart success. Rounding out a successful year, they received a Grammy Award for 'Best Pop Performance' in 2004.

After this breakout success, Los Lonely Boys continued to record strong albums, with 2006's "Sacred," 2008's "Forgiven" and the christmas-themed album, "Christmas Spirit," also in 2008. After releasing an EP of covers, "1969," they recorded the powerful "Solid Ground," a song written to raise money and attention of the Family Justice Center of Erie County, an Austin-based charity that supported victims of domestic violence.

Years of constant touring took its toll, and JoJo Garza had developed lesions on his vocal chords in 2010, prompting a break from live performances. It was another year before a new album of original material, 2011's "Rockpango," saw release. More health problems plagued the sibling-trio, after Henry Garza fell from the stage and suffered a serious spinal injury. After recovery, the band returned to strength in 2014, releasing their new album, "Revelation." The album was a moderate success, peaking at number 128 on the Billboard 200.