El Chicano, originally formed under the name VIP, arose during a period of increasing Chicano consciousness in America. Their initial hit, the jazzy "Viva Tirado", was a rendition of Gerald Wilson's original song about a bullfighter. The song did very well in Los Angeles and remained number one there for thirteen weeks. With their newfound success they created their first album and toured extensively, becoming the first Chicano band to play at the famous Apollo Theatre. Other popular songs include the funky "Tell Her She's Lovely" and their cover version of Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl". El Chicano also did a 25 second-long cover of "Light My Fire", by The Doors.
Original members of El Chicano included Bobby Espinosa, Freddie Sanchez, Mickey Lespron, Andre Baeza and John De Luna. During the 1970s, new members Ersi Arvizu, Rudy Regalado, Max Garduno, Danny Lamonte, Brian Magness, Jerry Salas, Joe Pereria and Rudy Salas joined the group.
El Chicano continues to be active with a combination of original and new members. They performed in the PBS pledge break special "Trini Lopez presents the Legends of Latin Rock," along with Thee Midniters, Tierra and Gregg Rolie (of Santana and Journey fame) in 2009.
Two former members of the group died in 2010. The organist and co-founder Bobby Espinosa died on February 27, while on August 4, Rudy Regalado, who spent twelve years with the band, also departed.
Original members of El Chicano included Bobby Espinosa, Freddie Sanchez, Mickey Lespron, Andre Baeza and John De Luna. During the 1970s, new members Ersi Arvizu, Rudy Regalado, Max Garduno, Danny Lamonte, Brian Magness, Jerry Salas, Joe Pereria and Rudy Salas joined the group.
El Chicano continues to be active with a combination of original and new members. They performed in the PBS pledge break special "Trini Lopez presents the Legends of Latin Rock," along with Thee Midniters, Tierra and Gregg Rolie (of Santana and Journey fame) in 2009.
Two former members of the group died in 2010. The organist and co-founder Bobby Espinosa died on February 27, while on August 4, Rudy Regalado, who spent twelve years with the band, also departed.