The journey of Los Lobos began in 1973, when David Hidalgo, Louie Perez, Cesar Rosas, and Conrad Lozano earned their stripes playing revved-up versions of Mexican folk music in restaurants and at parties. The band evolved in the 1980s as it tapped into L.A.’s burgeoning punk and college rock scenes.
Early on, Los Lobos enjoyed critical success, winning accolades for such singles as How Will the Wolf Survive, La Bamba, Come On, Let’s Go, and Donna.
Rather than capitalize on that massive commercial success, Los Lobos instead chose to record traditional Mexican music they listened to as children (for which they won a 1989 Grammy for Best Mexican-American Performance), and later, several experimental projects, contributions to tribute albums, and film soundtracks.
That kind of sharp artistic turn has become Los Lobos’ trademark, serving to both fuel the band’s creativity and keep its fans engaged.
Los Lobos has sold millions of records, won prestigious awards, and made fans around the world. But perhaps its most lasting impact will be how well its music embodies the idea of America as a cultural melting pot. In it, styles like son jarocho, norteño, Tejano, folk, country, doo-wop, soul, R&B, rock ’n’ roll, and punk all come together to create a new sound that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
