El Chicano
El Chicano, a pioneering brown-eyed soul group from Los Angeles, California,
emerged in the late 1960s as a vibrant fusion of rock, jazz, funk, soul, blues,
and salsa, reflecting the cultural and musical identity of the Chicano
community. Originally formed by Freddie Sanchez under the name The VIP's, the
group rose to fame with their 1970 hit "Viva Tirado," a jazz-infused tribute to
a bullfighter that dominated Los Angeles radio and earned gold status. Their
debut album, Viva Tirado, also featured a memorable rendition of Herbie
Hancock’s "Cantaloupe Island." El Chicano continued...
