Land of a Thousand Dances: Chicano Rock 'n' Roll from Southern California [Hardcover]

David Reyes (Author), Tom Waldman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1998

Evolving from blues, R&B, boleros, funk, punk, and the British invasion, Chicano rock 'n' roll out of Southern California has enriched the music scene forever with the likes of Ritchie Valens, Thee Midniters, Cannibal and the Headhunters, El Chicano, The Brat, and Los Lobos, to name a few.

Land of a Thousand Dances tells the story of this uniquely American sound beginning with Lalo Guerrero and Chico Sesma--musical forefathers in East LA--and the white DJs and black musicians who in the 1950s first recognized Mexican Americans as a powerful market. Next came the producers who traveled the garage circuit looking for new talent, and, of course, the kids who sang and composed their way to record labels. The constant through it all has been the Chicano fans who to this day hand down oldies like cherished heirlooms.

Through interview and anecdote, Land of a Thousand Dances formally installs Chicanos in the history of rock 'n' roll.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...[an] essential chronicle of Chicano rock in SoCal....the book exhumes an aural history that would otherwise stay oral... --LA Weekly --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Inside Flap

Reyes and Waldman tell the stories of Chicano rock music in Southern California and the musicians who continue to make pop music with a Latin beat. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 167 pages
• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press; 1st edition (April 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826319297
• ISBN-13: 978-0826319296
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 7.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,515,746 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars SALESIAN, March 2, 2002

By 

ROBERT URIAS (SOUTH GATE, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Land of a Thousand Dances: Chicano Rock 'n' Roll from Southern California (Hardcover)

Many of the groups mentioned had their beginnings in the Salesian High School Rock n' Roll shows of the late 60's. Thee midnighter, Thee Enchantments, The Pharoahs, The Nightdreamers, Art and the Fabulons,Lil Art, the Counts, The Blue Satins, the impalas, The 4 x 4's, the Celestials, and many more. They grew into the Battle of the Bands of East L.A. The Showmen and The Majestics,who I roadied for, in the LATE 60' to the early 70's. Hank Castro of the Majestics still sings today at the Hop. An album, if you can get it, is the "East Side Revue" it was in yellow vinyl and black vinyl. It's a classic album.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very entertaining and interesting background material, November 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Land of a Thousand Dances: Chicano Rock 'n' Roll from Southern California (Hardcover)

I found this to be a very joyful experience back into a musical era (1960') when I was teenager. I grew up with people like the Salas's Bros. (my cousins) El Chicano, the Premiers ( I went to grade school and High school with them), Thee Enchantments, played football with Willie Garcia of the Midnighters. Knew members of Yaqui, and Art Brambila, my uncle. I saw most of these groups that you mentioned in your book live throuhout my teenage years. Alot of these people were my friends. One dear friend that was never mentioned in your book was Eddie Serrano, former singer of Yaqui, Thee Enchantments and most currently, Cannibal and the Headhunters. Eddie passed away early this year from a bicycle accident. We grew as neighbors,more like brothers in Lincoln Heights. He contributed a lot to East La Music and entertainment in general. I was hoping he would be mentioned so his family and close friends could see his accomplishments written for legacy.

Thank you very much for your trip back in time where music,life and friends meant so much during those turbulent years. Sincerly, Joe Brambila

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chicano Music Influences on Culture, February 5, 2000

By 

Gabe Morales (Seattle,WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Land of a Thousand Dances: Chicano Rock 'n' Roll from Southern California (Hardcover)

"Land of a Thousand Dances: Chicano Rock 'N' Roll from Southern California" traces the roots and influences on the Chicano/Latino music scene today. The book is well researched including dozens of interviews with early performers from East L.A. and all around the Southland.

Mr. Reyes' and Waldman's rich photo archives accompany a history that may well have been lost had they not carefully documented it for us. The musical influences of artists like Richie Valens, Thee Midnighters, Cannibal and the Headhunters, Mark Guerrero, "Grammy Award" winning musician Carlos Santana, El Chicano, Tierra, and Malo are particularly interesting. Future generations of Hispanics and non-Hispanics will be blessed with the memories and experiences that the pioneers of Chicano Rock-n-Roll had with this enchanted cruise with sounds of the barrio, a magical blend of cultures that brought forth these "Oldies but Goodies"!