The East Los Angeles Music Experience website was organized as a commercial free media venue dedicated to preserving the art of early American rock & roll and soul music favored by the West Coast East Los Angelinos. As a fully independent and privately funded entity, The East Los Angeles Music Experience enjoys the distinction of defining the music and social development during the Eastside Sound Golden Era, 1960 to 1969 in East Los Angeles, California and its fruition in the decades that followed.
It is said that a culture is defined by its Art. This site is dedicated to the Art of music that has evolved from a Latino American perspective, without being racially hostile or challenging, welcoming all races of all colors to join us in the enjoyment of music from our past, brings us to our present, leading to our future.
Since the end of World War II, Latinos have evolved into a musical legacy that has crossed racial, language, and genre barriers to the enjoyment of several generations. Starting with such musical pioneers as Lalo Guerrero and Don Tosti of the 1940’s, to rock & roll legends of the 1950’s such as Richie Valens and Chan Romero. During the 1960’s & 70’s, the combination of all the talent, and the emergence of new teenage rockers helped to develop a distinct sound movement, later known as the “Eastside Sound”.
East Los Angeles is located near the heart of downtown Los Angeles. It is located close to the surf sound from the beach areas and near the soulful sounds from the south side. The swelling population of enthused teenagers, being the first English language generational audience was enjoying the new rock & roll sounds. They were listening to the music on the transistor radios and on the new television dance shows. There were numerous new bands. This attracted thousands of teenagers to the various dance venues. The beginning of the sixties started slow but by 1962 the momentum quickened to its peak in 1965.
In 1966, the U.S. Armed Forces accelerated a peacetime draft selection system for military service. The growing involvement in Vietnam required all men between the ages of eighteen and twenty six years of age to register for the draft with the local Selective Service Office. Thousands of young men, including many of the local musicians from all genres and all walks of life were taken by the draft. A downward trend in the local music scene activity occurred, as made clear by the decreased number of bands and activity flyers. The music scene had taken a blow. Cause and effect. Because of the draft, the tapestry of music started to unravel, and the loose ends led to the demise and end of the golden era of music. The war had tapped into the pillars that mark historical events and their significance: social, economic, and political watershed moments.
Time and history did not deter the worldwide success for groups like Los Lobos, Tango, El Chicano, TIERRA, and Red Bone that followed in the wake of the earlier breakup of the bands that had originated the Golden Era of Music. That earlier breakup resulted in many of the band members trading in their sleek fancy stage suits for military issued uniforms. In the aftermath, the nucleus of some of those early group members created a new sound for an ever expanding and appreciative audience.
The East Los Angeles Music Experience website is a celebration and documentation of a storied time. Explore the selections of band photos and dance flyers from 1960 to 1969. We have several music selections and samples for your listening convenience and pleasure. Please join us in celebration and recognition of those early days.
The East Los Angeles Music Experience stands resolute, committed, and true to the Eastside Sound. Experience the excitement and music treasures with us. We are bringing it back and keeping it alive, like nobody else can.
MISSION STATEMENT:
The East Los Angeles Music Experience was organized in 2024 by Steven Chavez, Mark Guerrero, and Guy Aversa as a commercial free media venue dedicated to preserving the art of early American Rock & Roll and Soul music favored by the West Coast East Los Angeles Angelinos. These Americans represent the first English language Latino generational audience.
As a fully independent and privately funded entity, The East Los Angeles Music Experience enjoys the distinction of defining the music and social development during the Eastside Sound Golden Era, 1960 to 1969 in East Los Angeles, California and its fruition in the decades that followed.
Disclaimer
DISCLAIMER:
The educational historical recordings presented on the East Los Angeles Music Experience or ELAME website are posted for the sole purpose of promoting interest and appreciation for this unique genre of music and culture.
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