Salesian Concerts - East Los Angeles Music Experience Golden Era

Welcome to The Salesian Rock & Roll Shows Commemorative presentation. Bishop Mora Salesian High School is located in the Boyle Heights district, just East of Downtown Los Angeles, CA. The school was built in 1958, with the first graduating class in 1962. The school’s Music Director, William A. Taggart with the high school, started producing concerts at East Los Angeles College auditorium in the nearby City of Monterey Park. The concert dates were April 19, 1964; October 18, 1964; May 16, 1965; and October 10, 1965

There were so many young musicians ready to fuel the music momentum through the sixties. There were numerous bands, but now we are commemorating the bands who performed at these Rock and Roll shows. Many of the musicians and vocalists attended Salesian and the other local high schools. These events helped to propel the Chicano Music Explosion.

These recordings are not the best in sound fidelity. There was limited availability of equipment and technology, but the producers used what they had. We certainly thank the individuals who recorded these concerts. They are historic sound recordings, and they give us a glimpse into the past. The band members were dressed in their stage suits, and they gave their best performance effort on stage. The open microphones also captured the screaming girls and audience responses. Mr. William A. Taggart is making all the band introductions.

Salesian Rock 'N Roll Show Volume 1 ~ April 19, 1964. To read the full text, CLICK HERE

The Volume 1 performance line-up includes some of the early Eastside Rhythm & Blues and Rock & Roll bands, like Bobbie and the Esquires, Johnny Gamboa and his sextet, and Sal Padilla’s Leggiers These early bands fueled and accelerated the acclimation of Rhythm & Blues music into the first-generation English-speaking Americans of Mexican heritage. The interest in the music and the formation of Johnny & The Crowns, The Blue Satins, and Thee Midniters was paramount in the development of the Eastside Sound and highlights the importance and the significance of these concerts.

The school’s Music Director, William A. Taggart, and the high school’s principal started to produce concerts at East Los Angeles College auditorium in the nearby City of Monterey Park. The auditorium was centrally located, it had a 3000-seat capacity, and it featured two stages. The main stage was curtained and stationary, and the other was a hydraulic stage in front of the main stage, that could raise or be lowered during the concert. When the bands finished on the main stage and curtains closed, the next band, who were set on the lower level started playing and the stage would rise to stage level and to the cheering audience with hundreds of screaming girls. It added to the excitement, and it helped to keep the music non-stop.

The first recorded concert was on April 19, 1964. Volume 1 of the Salesian High School Rock & Roll Show recordings starts with “Lose a Good Thing” by Bobby & the Esquires. The band members were Tim Zamora, bass guitar; Bobby Currola, lead guitar; Michael Lui, rhythm guitar; Ralph Jasso, drums; Henry Sarnof, keyboards; Johnny Cortez, vocals; Joe Vasquez, sax; Tommy Cavanaugh, congas; and the female vocalist was Rosie.

Johnny Gamboa and the Crowns, considered one of the earliest local American Mexican bands to exclusively feature Rhythm & Blues, were up next with “Down at the Chicken Shack” and “Moody Mood for Love”. The Crowns were the first successful band to come out of William A. Taggart’s music department at Salesian High School. Johnny Gamboa was also one of the organizers and producers of the first shows, recorded in 1964.

Sal Padilla and the Leggiers were next with a smooth rendition of “Night Train”, an early Rhythm & Blues classic. Sal would later organize the doo-wop group called The Four J’s. who would perform at a future show in 1965.

This historic recording also includes Thee Midniters’ first recordings. Willie Garcia and Larry Rendon had first clicked with Benny Ceballos as Benny & the Midnighters. This early lineup was known for wearing Lone Ranger style masks, which they would throw into the audience, driving the girls wild. The early band lineup swaps included a period with two lead singers, resulting in a solid recording band. Thee Midniters with Ramon “Ray” Jimenez, vocals; Willie Garcia, vocals; George Dominguez, lead guitar; Roy Marquez, rhythm guitar; Ronny Figueroa, organ; Larry Rendon, tenor sax; Romeo Prado, Trombone; George Salazar, drum; and bass player Benny Lopez completed the band.

The Vesuvians Band, with Jimmie Espinosa (future Midniters bass guitarist), Bobby Hernandez, guitar and the band performed “The Fugitive” and “Hand Clapping”, two up-beat rock instrumentals that had the ELACC auditorium jumping.

The next track is by a nine-piece band The Blue Satins, who tear it up with a bluesy version of “Summertime” with the lead trumpet solo by Bobby Rodriquez. The next song is an up-beat R&B classic, “Turn on Your Love Light”. The Fabulous Blue Satins finish with the popular “My First Love”. The Blue Satins included Mike Gomez, vocals; Louie Lopez, vocals; Pete Ventura, keyboard; Raul Suarez, lead guitar; Frank Estrella, Frank Mesquita, bass; Bobby Loya, trumpet; Bobby Rodriquez, trumpet; Charles Lueras, sax; Robert Perez, sax; John Betancourt, drums.

This rock & roll show ended with the Salesian High School Mustang Band performing the “Concert Theme Song”. The Mustang Band was a product of the high school music department and were the substitutes and replacements for The Etalons, a product of the high school music department. Dr. Bobby Rodriquez, from The Etalons and Blue Satins bands told us that each band who performed at these shows had to audition for William “Prof” Taggert, at the Salesian High School music room. The students, on campus, appreciatively referred to him as Professor or “Prof”.

The audio interviews by Roberto Tijerina with Tim Zamora, The Counts; Albert Tapia, Salesian Letterman; Benny Lopez, Thee Midniters; Sal Padilla, Leggiers; John Gamboa, The Crowns; Luis Louie Lopez, The Blue Satins; Ramon Ayala, The Relations: Abe Belardo, Executives: and Frank Mesquita, The Blue Satins give us interesting, firsthand information about those early shows. Check out the interviews with El Beto-man on the DJ list.

The zoom/video interviews by Mark Guerrero with Ray Jimenez, Willie G, Bobby Rodriquez, Anthony Baray, Jack D’ Amore, and Mike Aversa give us up close and interesting, firsthand information about those early shows. Check out the interviews with Mark Guerrero on the DJ list.

Salesian Rock 'N Roll Show Volume 2 October 18, 1964. To read the full text CLICK HERE

The second recorded Salesian Rock & Roll Show was on October 18, 1964. The school’s Music Director, William A. Taggart, and the high school’s principal started to produce concerts at East Los Angeles College auditorium in the nearby City of Monterey Park. The auditorium was centrally located, it had a 3000-seat capacity, and it featured two stages. The main stage was curtained and stationary, and the other was a hydraulic stage in front of the main stage, that could raise or be lowered during the concert. When the bands finished on the main stage and curtains closed, the next band, who were set on the lower level started playing and the stage would rise to stage level and to the cheering audience with hundreds of screaming girls. It added to the excitement, and it helped to keep the music non-stop.

This show starts with Mr. Taggart presenting the first band. Art & The Nite-liters with Art Guzman, guitar; Tim Zamora, bass; and Ronnie Wheat on drums opened the show with “Tuff Talk”. The next group to perform was The Velvetones from the central Los Angeles area with Michael Barreras, sax; Albert Barron, sax; Dan Huerta, vocals; Ernie Najera, guitar; Carlos Mota, guitar; and Albert Bustillos, drums. They performed a ballad titled, “Tenderly”.

Ronnie and the Casuals (aka Pomona Casuals) were next on stage with the upbeat instrumental, “20.75”. This group recorded for Delphi Records label. The musicians in the Casuals were Ronnie Duran, Robert Arroyo, Ryan O’Brien, Charles Lett, Jimmy Duran, Philip Duran, and Robert Foley.

The next group, The Rhythm Playboys were the former band of lead vocalist and frontman, Frankie “Cannibal” Garcia of Cannibal and the Headhunters fame. He had recently left the band to join the Headhunters and record for Rampart Records. At this show, the Rhythm Playboys perform two songs “This Is My Prayer” and “One Degree North”.

One of the headliners for this show was up next and performed from the rising front stage. Mr. Taggart announced, “The leader is Benny Lopez and Little Willie G. on vocals, this is Thee Midniters”, and the place went wild as the stage rose-up to audience level. Thee Midniters performed several songs but the following five were the only songs that made the vinyl record playlist. The songs are “And I Love Her”, “So Far Away”, “I Need Someone”, “Forever”, and “Sad Girl”. The band had not yet recorded a record, but things were soon going to change because they ended up recording “Land of 1000 Dances” with the live audience at this show for the Chattahoochee Records label. It was released soon thereafter on a 45 RPM record and later made it to their first Long Playing record album titled “Thee Midniters, on Whittier Blvd”. Cannibal & the Headhunters would record a studio version of the same song for Rampart Records.

The Blue Satins, who headlined almost every dance hall and auditorium in the greater Los Angeles area, were the next band on stage. By this show date, they had recorded a couple of 45 RPM records, and they were very popular. They landed three songs on this record album from their song set. Mr. Taggart introduces the band, who start the set with “Help Yourself”. On the next song, they are joined by the Delphi Records label female recording group The Sisters. The vocal trio was comprised of three sisters Rosela, Mary, and Ersi Arvizu. They performed a high energy song titled “Ooh Pooh Pa Do” and had the entire auditorium to its feet. The fabulous Blue Satins finished the show and this record with a popular Rhythm & Blues dance tune titled “The Bounce”. Ersi would later record “Sabor A Mi” with El Chicano.

Salesian Rock 'N Roll Show Volume 3 May 16, 1965. To read the full text CLICK HERE

The third recorded Salesian Rock & Roll Show was on May 16, 1965. The MC and Producer was Mr. William A. Taggart, and the Music Director was Gilbert Pineda. The vinyl records for these concerts were locally produced and sold at the high school’s bookstore for a staggering $2.75.

This show started with The Goofy Six Plus One, who opened with a local favorite song “I Need Someone”. The next group was The Relations with Ramon Ayala. This group was from San Gabriel, just north of East Los Angeles and played “I Do Love You” to the jubilant audience.

The Invaders (aka Mickey and The Invaders) performed two rhythm & blues favorites “Sad Girl” and “Darling, Forever”. The Invaders band members were Mickey Aversa, guitar; John Ortiz, sax; Bobby Espinosa, keyboards; Denny Robinson, guitar; Linda Robinson, vocals; Simon Casas, guitar; and Danny Lamont, drummer.

The Etalons, with Albert Lugo, bass; Mike Mercado, vocals & horns; Richard Armida, guitar; Joe Vasquez, sax; Bobby Rodriquez. trumpet; Danny Felix, sax; Pete Reyes, drums; and Frank Gonzalez, guitar took stage with “Out of Sight” and remained on stage to musically accommodate the next singing duo, The Little Heartbreakers with Eddie & Gilbert Rodriquez. They paid tribute to the original Heartbreakers, Benny & Joe with “Cradle Rock”.

Mr. Taggart, the program manager, would have a band ready to musically back-up a singing group. It saved time, money, and added convenience to the artists. The Etalons were a product of the high school’s music department.

The Enchanters played a current James Brown hit “Try Me” and The Parlay Brothers performed “Uncle Sam’s Men”.

The next group, The Emeralds, performed from the rising stage. The band was well dressed in their emerald, green glittery jackets, and black slacks. Because this next song was a current hit record by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, the band wore emerald, green head turbans and they were well greeted as the stage slowly rose to the audience level as they played “Wooly Bully”. Ray Ballesteros told us that after the performance, the band members removed the turbans and tossed them into the audience. The band members were Ray Rosa, guitar; Anthony Baray, guitar; Jacob Padilla, bass; Fred Gonzalez, drums; Sammy “Bones” Ramos, trumpet; Jesse Perez, guitar; Ray Ballesteros, sax; and Mike Mercado, trumpet.

The Precisions were next with a popular dance tune, “I’ve Been Trying”.

The following band were Thee Counts, a popular band around greater Los Angeles, CA. The musicians were students at the local high schools, including Salesian. The band members were Tim Zamora, bass; Bobby Rodriguez, trumpet; Albert Barron, saxophone; Ronnie Wheat, drums; Arnold Serafin, keyboard; Charlie Montijo, vocalist; Don Viray, guitar; and Bobby Gurrola, guitar. They perform a haunting lullaby titled “Girl of My Dreams”.

Clarence Playa, a local urban legend from Delano, CA., was next with “I Wake Up Crying”. Clarence Playa was the vocalist for The Progressions Band, as Little Ray Jimenez was the frontman. Playa was a stage name, as he was born Clarence Bernard Johns, as testified by his brother Tyree Johns. Clarence was born in Little Rock, Arkansas and moved with his family to Delano, CA. at a young age. There he met Ramon Jimenez and eventually started his singing career. He also played the guitar.

The Velvetones with Michael Barreras, sax; Albert Barron, sax; Dan Huerta, vocals; Ernie Najera, guitar; Carlos Mota, guitar; and Albert Bustillos, drums were up next with the classic from 1965 by the British group Them, titled “Gloria”.

One of the headliners for this show was up next, and you could feel the anticipation by the audience. The Progressions, with Little Ray Jimenez, was announced to the excited packed house. Mr. Taggart first announced, “Here They Are, Thee Progressions” and the band began to play “Twine Time” as the audience joined in chorus. Next, Taggart announced, “You Know Who He Is, Little Ray” and the auditorium exploded with cheers and applause through the complete song “Ohh Baby Baby”. One of the songs that did not make this record album was his then-current hit record, “I Who Have Nothing”. The loudest cheers from the audience can from his performance. Salesian High School Letterman, Albert Tapia was there and told us that, “the entire school was talking about it the next day. Too bad it did not make the record. It was loud”. The schools’ Letterman Society performed security and ushering at all the schools’ functions. The members of Thee Progressions were Ramon “Ray” Jimenez, vocals; Clarence Playa, guitar and vocals; Tony Escalante, guitar and vocals; Tim Zamora, bass and vocals; Frank Alvarez, sax; Joe Orzusa, sax; Sammy “Bones” Ramos, trumpet; Marshall Tavares, drums; Louie Martus, trumpet; and Gilbert Martus, trumpet. “The shows were exciting, and we had a great time” says Tim Zamora.

The last song for the show and on this vinyl, record is the very haunting “Ebb Tide” by recording artists The Ambertones. The band included Ray Arriola, sax; Henry Hernandez, guitar; Mike Sandoval, guitar; Eddie Delgado, bass and vocals; Danny Medina, keyboards; Jimmy Alvarez, drums and Charlie Munoz vocals.

Salesian Rock 'N Roll Show Volume 4 October 10, 1965. To read the full text CLICK HERE

The fourth recorded Salesian Rock & Roll Show was on October 10, 1965. The Producer and MC was Mr. William A. Taggart, and the Music Director was Gilbert Pineda.

The fourth show featured a couple of vocal groups from Delano, CA. and a couple of local favorites.

The Etalons band was a product of the music department at Salesian high school. The band members were Albert Lugo, bass; Mike Mercado, vocals & horns; Richard Armida, guitar; Joe Vasquez, sax; Bobby Rodriquez, trumpet; Danny Felix, sax; Pete Reyes, drums; and Frank Gonzalez, guitar. Mr. Taggart, the program manager, would have a band ready to back-up a singing group. It saved time, money, and added convenience to the artists.

On the main stage, The Vandells were the first band to start the show with an up-beat rhythm & blues tune titled “Get Down with It”.

The next act was a singing group and needed musical compliment, so in come The Etalons as the back-up band and The Entertainers sang a few songs including “Double OO Soul”. They were Tyree Johns, Abe Belardo, and Don Richards RIP from Delano, CA. The audience shared their appreciation as the stage lowered from sight.

The curtains opened on the main stage and The Fabulons entertained the crowd with some James Brown covers, including “I’ll Go Crazy”. The band included Ernest Martinez, Joey Valenzuela, Ernie Valenzuela, Art Valenzuela, Cesar Reta, Willie Estrada, and Efrain Farias.

Sal Padilla and the Four J’s were next with a great rendition of a current hit “My Girl Sloopy”. The members of The Four J’s were Sal, Johnny Gonzalez, Richard Refugio, and Ernie Castillo. They were musically accompanied by The Etalons.

The Executives give us a high energy rendition of “High heel Sneakers”. The Relations, with Ramon Ayala, were a band from San Gabriel, which is located a few miles North of L.A. They performed the Motown hit, “Heat Wave” and two other songs that did not make it on this compilation.

Next, was one of my favorite bands from the 60’s, recording artists The Impalas playing “Treat Her Right” by Roy Head, released that same year. The musicians on The Impalas were Al Anaya, vocalist; Ronnie Reyes, guitar; Joe Alvarez, bass; Willie Alvarez, drums; and Ruben. The band originated in the City of Commerce area.

The V.I.P.’s, an early version of El Chicano was up next with an instrumental titled “David’s Mood” by The Kingsmen. The song featured a prominent keyboard tune, and the youthful Bobby Espinosa provided a crowd pleasure. Bobby and Fred Sanchez, bass guitarists, started their many years of working together.

“Ghee Whiz” was next by Frankie Valens. The Emeralds, making their second invitation to these shows, were next and played an instrumental by Hank Jacobs titled “So Far Away”. This was a popular break and opening song for many East L.A. bands.

The Enchanters made this album with a dance favorites, “The Midnight Hour”.

The Enchantments, from NE Los Angeles in the El Serreno area, performed a James Brown hit “Try Me”. The members of the Enchantments were Bobby Brambila, rhythm guitar; Steve Lopez, lead guitar; Eddie Serrano, vocalist; Frank Tornatore, drums; Thomas Lawrence, keyboards; Larry Torrez, bass; Gilbert Perez, tenor sax; John Madrid, trumpet; and Ray Oliande, tenor sax.

Next up were one of Salesian High School’s very own. The Etalons were back with their own selection, “Ask Me Why”.

The Noblemen, from the westside’s Cathedral and Belmont high schools performed a soothing version of “To Be Loved”. Some members of The Noblemen were Alfred Martinez, guitar; Richard Duran, guitar; Alfred Ruvacaba, drums; Jose Silva, vocals; and Alfredo Garcia, vocals. Jose and Alfredo would later record “Darling Dear” on KG Records label as Alfred and Joe.

Recording artists and crowd favorites, The Ambertones performed their local record hit “I Need Someone” and a beautiful tune, “My Prayers”. The band included Ray Arriola, sax; Henry Hernandez, guitar; Mike Sandoval, guitar; Eddie Delgado, bass and vocals; Danny Medina, keyboards; Jimmy Alvarez, drums; and Charlie Munoz, vocals.

The Fourth Salesian Rock & Roll Show concluded with an upbeat rocker titled “Roll Over Beethoven by The Four by Four’s.