“Land of a Thousand Dances” by David Reyes and Tom Waldman is more than just a book; it’s a vibrant chronicle of Chicano rock & roll in Southern California, a musical movement that has shaped and enriched the landscape of rock music. For anyone seeking to understand the heart and soul of Chicano rock, and its significant contributions to music history, this book is an essential read. As someone deeply connected to this scene, I can attest to the book’s insightful portrayal of artists who, against considerable odds, carved their own space in the world of rock and roll.
This compelling narrative introduces readers to the pioneers and innovators of Chicano rock. Emerging predominantly from East L.A., these musicians, including luminaries like Ritchie Valens, The Premiers, The Blendells, Cannibal & the Headhunters, El Chicano, Tierra, and Los Lobos, infused rock and roll with a unique Chicano flavor. “Land of a Thousand Dances” meticulously recounts their journeys, highlighting both their triumphs and the systemic challenges they faced. Hailing largely from middle and lower-middle-class backgrounds, and often lacking formal musical training, these artists confronted an industry frequently oblivious, skeptical, or prejudiced against their sound. Their perseverance and ultimate success stories, as detailed in the book, are truly inspiring.
The making of “Land of a Thousand Dances” was a decade-long endeavor, reflecting the depth of research and passion invested by Reyes and Waldman. My own interview for the book took place back in 1988, marking the early stages of this ambitious project. The authors expertly trace the roots of Chicano rock, beginning with pre-rock influences like Chico Sesma, a big band swing and jazz musician turned radio DJ, and Lalo Guerrero, my father and a true Chicano musical pioneer. The book then progresses through the iconic story of Ritchie Valens, setting the stage for the explosion of musical creativity in 1960s East Los Angeles. This era was a breeding ground for talent, with bands like Thee Midniters, The Romancers, Ronnie & the Casuals, Little Ray & the Progressions, The Jaguars, The Emeralds, The Blendells, and The Premiers dominating the local scene. My own band, Mark & the Escorts, was part of this vibrant tapestry, playing countless gigs at dances and events. The book vividly captures the energy and talent of these young musicians, many of whom were still in their teens.
Moving into the late 1960s and early 1970s, “Land of a Thousand Dances” explores the emergence of Chicano rock bands onto major record labels, including El Chicano (MCA), Tierra (20th Century), Macondo (Atlantic), Yaqui (Playboy), and my band, Tango (A&M). The narrative extends into the 1980s, spotlighting the rise of Chicano punk bands such as The Plugz, Los Illegals, and The Brat, and the crossover success of Los Lobos. The 1990s saw the emergence of Chicano rap artists like Kid Frost and Lighter Shade of Brown, further demonstrating the evolving soundscape of Chicano music.
Beyond the individual artist stories, “Land of a Thousand Dances” provides crucial context by examining the political and social conditions that shaped each era. It reveals how these conditions profoundly influenced both the music and the lives of the musicians. Moreover, the book astutely positions Chicano musical contributions within the broader history of rock & roll, demonstrating their undeniable impact and influence. The authors also include insights from figures like Frank Zappa and Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers, who acknowledge the significant influence of Chicano music on their own musical journeys.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, many Chicano bands achieved remarkable feats. Cannibal & the Headhunters toured with The Beatles in 1965, a monumental achievement. The Blendells joined the Dave Clark Five on tour in the same year. Tierra graced the stage of Carnegie Hall in the early 1980s, and Los Lobos have shared stages with iconic bands like The Clash, the Eagles, and the Grateful Dead. Los Lobos also topped the charts with their rendition of “La Bamba” in 1987, solidifying their place in music history. For those interested in my personal journey, “Land of a Thousand Dances” includes mentions of my contributions on pages 9, 55, 97, and 106-109, along with photos of my bands, Mark & the Escorts and Tango. A comprehensive discography at the end of the book serves as an invaluable resource for exploring the recordings of the featured artists.
“Land of a Thousand Dances” is written with both deep insight and intelligence. It is a book that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone interested in music history, American culture, and the compelling story of Chicano rock & roll. Published by the University of New Mexico Press, “Land of a Thousand Dances” by David Reyes and Tom Waldman is readily available at bookstores and online retailers like Amazon.
Update: A second edition of “Land of a Thousand Dances: Chicano Rock ‘n’ Roll from Southern California” was released in March 2009, featuring a new cover, expanded introduction, and additional photographs, offering even more depth to this already essential historical record.
