Bobby Espinosa, founding member of El Chicano has died at 60

El Chicano 1970

Bobby Espinosa founding member and keyboardist for El Chicano passed away in Boyle Heights last week at age 60. El Chicano from East Los Angeles along with other bands of that era such as Tierra combined a creative blend of pop, funk, Latin Soul and R&B to create that unique sound of 1970’s Eastside Los Angeles. El Chicano scored two top 40 hits with “Viva Tirado” and “Tell Her She’s lovely” in the early 1970s. When I hear “Tell Her She’s Lovely” today on K-EARTH 101 it reminds me of my older brother driving us to school in the classic Chevy Nova. Bobby was born here in Los Angeles and came from a family that was very passionate about music and creativity. We will miss you Bobby.

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"Tell Her She's Lovely" on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H74UVW9-m-o&feature=fvw

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For a history of Chicano Rock n' Roll in Southern California check out the book "Land of a Thousand Dances" by David Reyes and Tom Waldman.