Los Lobos

Los Lobos

Los Lobos are a Chicano rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1973. The group is made up of David Hidalgo, Louie Pérez, Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano and Steve Berlin. Their music draws on rock and roll, Tex-Mex, country, folk, blues and traditional Spanish and Mexican forms, including boleros, norteño and cumbia.

Formation and early development

David Hidalgo and Louie Pérez meet at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles and bond over shared interests in artists and groups such as Fairport Convention, Randy Newman and Ry Cooder. They begin writing songs together and make multi-track recordings using borrowed reel-to-reel recorders, with material ranging from parody songs to free-form jazz. Rosas and Lozano later join to complete the original line-up.

Recording career

Los Lobos gain wider attention with the 1984 album How Will the Wolf Survive?, which receives critical praise. In 1987 they record the music for La Bamba, a project that brings them broader popular recognition. They go on to become one of the most established acts in Latin and rock music, releasing more than 20 albums and continuing to record and tour.

Style and significance

The band is known for combining Mexican-American musical traditions with rock instrumentation and songwriting. Their catalogue reflects a wide range of influences, and their role in U.S. Mexican-American music is significant, with their work connecting Chicano rock, Latin music and mainstream rock audiences.