Are You Angry
With Me Darling?
With Me Darling,
With Me Darling?
Are You Sorry
That We Met?
That We Met
That We Met
Have You Tried
To Love Another?
Love Another
Love Another
Los Angeles has always been a hot bed for music. In the 60s, East LA was the crown jewel for music, especially for the large Latino community that lived within the city. In the 60s, cruising was the thing to do, and while cruising Whittier Blvd., you were probably serenaded by Thee Midniters. For no other reason than my fondness for this band, are they this week’s Artist of the Week.
Thee Midniters were one of the first bands to be proud to be Chicano. Their songs talked about the culture of living in the neighborhood and the lifestyle. Songs like “Whittier BLVD,” Chicano Park” and “The Ballad of Ceasar Chavez” were some of their most powerful songs. The band was more than just a Chicano band, they really had talent. The band had a rock & roll style, but they were also very soulful. Building on their Latino culture, they also incorporated many horns and other Latin styles that would later become popular.
They were first played on the very popular radio station, KRLA, by famed disc jockey “Huggy Boy.” Another well known disc jockey, Kasey Kasem, said “They were the best band I ever hired.” That’s respect! Lead singer Willie G had a smooth and soulful delivery. Kasem wasn’t the only person who was blown away by Willie G’s soulful sound. Local soul singer, Brenton Wood, said “Willie G. was one of the most soulful Latin persons I ever heard.”
As with most music, I was introduced to this band at an early age by my mother. While Vicente Fernandez provided most of the soundtrack to my childhood, Thee Midniters were definitely sprinkled in. When we are children, we try to resist our parents musical tastes, yet as we grow older, it becomes a big part of your life. It takes me to back to happy moments or a simpler time. This band does that for me. Their sound filled our summers and those were the days I’ll always remember.
Thee Midniters had original music, but they also played a lot of covers. They covered standards, rock classic and R&B songs too. This musically diverse group only made four albums (Three with Willie G) before the band decided to go their separate ways. Recently, Willie G returned to the band and can be found touring in a town near you. Their sound was amazing and helped create the sound for bands like Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears. Although this band may often be lost in the shuffle, they are no doubt, one of the best known bands to come out of the East LA music scene!
Top 5 Songs
4. That’s All
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