The small cross-section of 45-RPM records represented on this page was released between 1966 and 1969. They represent, in a small way, the richness of the sounds coming out of East Los Angeles at that moment. At the East Los Angeles Music Experience, our musical vaults are full of songs that fan the flames of nostalgia and trigger a time machine to transport us to a place where music was the only thing needed at a certain moment. Given the large number of titles to choose from, it was a challenge for our discographer.
Activity in the music scene and the production of music from East L.A. started to diminish starting in 1966. This decline was caused by the government’s acceleration of a military draft because of its increased involvement in Vietnam. Many musicians were drafted into service. To emphasize this last point, the following comment was found on a website where a video of the Premiers were performing “Farmer John”
My uncle Frankie sang in this group. He’s the one on the left. I miss him. They would have made more song’s but the Vietnam war came. They all went.
The music continued but the number of bands and activities shrank. The music styles changed to an upbeat rock sound, influenced by the British music invasion. The beat went on.
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.
White Front
Zodys
Phillips Music Company
Sam Goody