This is a small cross-section of the sounds, coming out of East Los Angeles. These songs were released on 45 RPM records, in the years 1960 to 1965. The titles were selected by our discographer.
The decade began with music, on the dreamy side. The songs were rhythm and blues, with a piano and vocal harmony. This was the popular music when the term “oldies but goodies” was coined by Art Laboe.
The new rock and roll music made an impact in 1964. A few iconic long-playing record albums were produced and some of the bands went on music tours throughout the United States. The activity and production of music from East L.A. continued to its pinnacle in 1965.
The jukebox below requires no quarters, just a keen interest and appreciation of the East Los Angeles Golden Era of Music.
The photos of the four music record stores below are a small sample of the many places where young and old alike discovered a universe dedicated to music lovers. Unlike today, these music havens were free of cellphones and laptops; they were free of complicated brews of coffee. The record stores had phone booths to conduct private conversations and listening booths where you could sample a record before you bought it. The music stores of this era ranged from the emergence of large chain conglomerates to small mom-and-pop neighborhood establishments that carried less inventory. Regardless of size, they were packed with interested and curious music lovers who could barely contain themselves while tapping their feet and longing for a spacious dance floor. The photos below are no longer just a trip down Whittier Boulevard, but also a trip down Memory Lane.
Wallichs Music City
Dolphins of Hollywood Record Shop
Flash Records
Tower Records