Episode 41- Mark Guerrero of Mark & the Escorts / Tango
Pedro Arroyo, academic and radio host, interviews Mark Guerrero, singer/songwriter/musician and East L.A. & Chicano music historian. This interview was done for broadcast on KPFA radio in Berkeley, CA. Pedro asks Mark about his teenage band Mark & the Escorts, how his father, Lalo Guerrero, influenced him, his musical relationship with his dad, what the music scene was like in East L.A. in the 60s, his work as an East L.A. & Chicano music historian, and other musical experiences in the 60s and early 70s. This can be thought of as a part one because this interview only covers some things from that period. A more extensive interview about Mark's decades long musical journey will come later. Date of interview: May 3, 2024
Episode 42- Johnny Gamboa of Johnny & the Crowns
Mark Guerrero interviews vocalist/musician Johnny Gamboa, an early pioneer of the East L.A. Music scene. Before the mid-60s East L.A. music boom, sometimes known as the golden era of the Eastside Sound, Johnny had a popular band. He had a decades long musical career in which he recorded for Epic Records and accomplished other things, including becoming an airplane pilot. Many of the classic members of Thee Midniters started with Johnny & the Crowns. Date of interveiw: July 26, 2024
Episode 43- Steven Verdugo of Olde Tyme Religion / The Men from S.O.U.N.D.
Mark Guerrero interviews singer/songwriter/musician Steven Verdugo, who was a member of Mark's band The Men from S.O.U.N.D. and Olde Tyme Religion, who recorded two singles on Warner Brothers Records. He was in the former band in 1968, the latter in 1970-71. Steven played electric piano on Mark Guerrero's Capitol single "Rock & Roll Queen" in 1972. He played with God's Children with Little Willie G. and Lydia Amescua in the early 70s and subsequently formed a duo with Lydia performing for 49 years together. Lydia is also interviewed in a segment. Date of interview: August 7, 2024
Episode 44- Benny & Joe Rodriguez of The Heartbreakers
Mark Guerrero interviews Benny & Joe Rodriguez of The Heartbreakers, a pioneering 1960s East L.A. vocal duo whose doo wop record, "Cradle Rock," is an "Eastside Sound" classic. Like many other great East L.A. bands and singers, they were managed by Billy Cardenas. In the "60s they were often backed by The Romancers led by Max Uballez. They've performed throughout the decades and still do. From humble beginnings they they both earned graduate degrees and have had succesful careers, Benny as a chemical engineer and Joe as an educator. In 2012, they recorded one of Mark's songs, a doo wop song called "Baby I Love You So," on their album "Greetings from East L.A. Date of interview: August 18, 2024
Episode 45- Mark & the Escorts: Ernie Hernandez, Robert Warren, and Trini Basulto
Mark Guerrero interviews members of his teenage band Mark & the Escorts- Ernie Hernandez, Robert Warren, and Trini Basulto. It was Mark's first band who were very popular in the early 60s in East L.A. They made two singles for GNP Crescendo Records in 1965, "Get Your Baby" and "Dance with Me," the former has been on many compilation albums and in 2017 appeared in the movie "Logan Lucky," starring Channing Tatum, Daniel Craig, Katie Holmes, and Adam Driver." Mark & the Escorts' version of "Get Your Baby" is also on the list of Apple Music's 50 Chicano Rock Essentials. Date of interview: August 22, 2024
Episode 46- Jerry Salas of El Chicano
Mark Guerrero interviews Jerry Salas, long time lead vocalist of the legendary East L.A. band El Chicano. He joined the band for their fourth album on MCA Records, "El Chicano," which had the top-40 hit "Tell Her She's Lovely." He appeared on their next three albums in the 70s including, "Cinco," "The Best of Everything," and 'Pyramid." Jerry rejoined the band in the early 2000s and has remained thier lead singer ever since. Date of interview: September 3, 2024
Episode 47- Rosella Arvizu of The Sisters
Mark Guerrero interviews Rosella Arvizu of The Sisters, a popular female vocal group of the 1960s in East L.A. The Sisters released three singles of Bob Keane's DelFi Records including their classic version of "Gee Baby Gee." Rosella later made two CDs of ranchera music, one backed by Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, the second backed by Los Camperos. These are two of the best mariachis in the world. She also appeared on Ry Cooder's 2005 album, "Chavez Ravine" with her sister Ersi Arvizu. Date of interview: October 13, 2024
Episode 48- Richard Morin of The Enchantments / TheMen from S.O.U.N.D.
Mark Guerrero interviews Richard Morin, who was a member of several groups in the 60s in East L.A., including Thee Enchantments, Mark & the Escorts, The Men from S.O.U.N.D., The Four Clefs, and The Six Pack. His father Raul Morin, who was a World War II veteran, wrote a book, "Among the Valiant," about Mexican-Americans who won the Medal of Freedom. Date of interview: October 15, 2024
Episode 49- Bobby Cochran
Mark Guerrero interviews singer/songwriter/guitarist Bobby Cochran, who in the '60s played with East L.A.'s most popular band, Thee Midniters. He went on to play with Steppenwolf, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Bobby & the Midnites featuring Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead, and Leon Russell. He's also the nephew of legendary 50s rocker Eddie Cochran, who wrote and recorded classic hits such as "Summertime Blues," "Twenty Flight Rock," and "C'mon Everybody." Date of interview: November 29 & 30, 2024
Episode 50- Sal Rodriguez of War
Mark Guerrero interviews drummer/percussionist Sal Rodriguez, who has been playing drums and percussion with War for the last 34 years. He was also a member of Tierra in the late 80s and has played, toured, and/or recorded with Eastside Connection, Little Joe Hernandez, El Chicano, Malo, Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night, Tom Jones, and the Duke Ellington orchestra, led by Mercer Ellington. Date of interview: December 17, 2024
Episode 51- Dale Villavicencio of Tierra
Mark Guerrero interviews percussionist Dale Villavicencio, who played in Tierra with Rudy Salas for 21 years. He is now a member of Tierra Legacy with David Salas and his own band, Bongo Funk. He's also sat in with El Chicano, Malo, and War and backed up Al Debarge and Ricky Martin. As a teenager he was in a band with Shiela E. Date of interview: January 29, 2025
Episode 52- Mickey Lespron of El Chicano
Mark Guerrero interviews Mickey Lespron, founding lead guitarist of multi-hit East L.A. band, El Chicano, who had national hit records with "Viva Tirado" (1970) and "Tell Her She's Lovely" (1973). They recorded seven albums for Kapp Records, an MCA label, and released several compilation albums in the '70s. Mickey continues to perform with El Chicano. Date of interview: February 7, 2025.
Episode 53- Bobby Figueroa of The Beach Boys
Mark Guerrero interviews drummer/vocalist Bobby Figueroa, who played with East L. A. bands The Village Callers and Poverty Train in the '60s. In 1974, he joined the legendary Beach Boys and played with them for decades. He continues to play with Beach Boy Al Jardine's Endless Summer Band and California Surf, made up of Beach Boy alumni. Date of interview: March 9, 2025
Episode 54- Mike Mercado of The Village Callers / Emeralds / Poverty Train
Mark Guerrero interviews trumpet player/vocalist Mike Mercado, who played with the popular East L.a. bands The Emeralds, The Etalons, The Village Callers, Poverty Train, and Organized Set in the 60s. Date of interview: March 18, 2025
Episode 55- Ron Reyes of Yaqui / The Impalas
Mark Guerrero interviews guitarist extraordinaire Ron Reyes, who in the 60s played with the East L.A. bands, The Impalas (Whittier Records), Strange Brew (ABC Records), and Olde Tyme Religion (Warner Brothers Records). In the 70s, he played with Yaqui (Playboy Records) and backed Frankie Garcia's Cannibal & the Headhunters in the Primatives. In the 80s/90s, he was a member of the Cannibal & the Headhunters Band touring the country with the "30 Years of Rock & Roll" show, backing major classic rock artists. Ron also performed and recorded with my band, Mark Guerrero & Radio Aztlan in the 90s and 2000s. Ron Reyes continues to play and record with various artists. Date of interview: May 7, 2025
Episode 56- Aztlan Underground
Mark Guerrero interviews Yaotl and Caxo of Aztlan Underground, a band who emerged in 1990. Their music combines Hip-Hop, Punk Rock, Jazz, and electronic music with Chicano and Native American themes, and indigenous instrumentation. They are often cited as progenitors of Chicano rap and are activists for indigenous peoples and their Chicano community. They have released three albums, an EP, and some singles. They've performed in Australia, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, and around the U.S., often at indigenous reservations.Date of interview: May 10, 2025
Episode 57- Eddie Quinteros
Mark Guerrero interviews rock & roll pioneer Eddie Quinteros He's a singer/guitarist who wrote and recorded many 45 rpm singles starting in 1960 for various labels, including Bob Keane's legendary DelFi Records, the same label that released classic songs by Ritchie Valens and Chan Romero. He did Alan Freed tours with many hit artists and toured as the guitarist for Bobby Freeman whose hits included "Do You Wanna Dance" and "C'mon and Swim." This year (2025), a compilation of Quinteros' recordings was released on Sundazed Records. Date of interview: May 14, 2025
Episode 58- Lorenzo Martinez of The Texmaniacs / Los Rock Angels / Trio Los Dados
Mark Guerrero interviews Lorenzo "Lencho" Martinez, a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist whose primary instrument is the guitarron. Martinez was a longtime member of the Grammy winning Tejano band, Los Texmaniacs. He's also played with Los Rock Angels, Mark & Lalo Guerrero, Trio Los Dados, and many other artists. Date of interview: July 10, 2025
Episode 59- Harry Manaka (musician/author)
Mark Guerrero interviews musician/author Harry Manaka, whose bands in the 1960s and early '70s were part of a Japanese-American music scene which was happening at the same time as the "Golden Age" of East L.A.'s music scene of the same period on the other side of the L.A. River. These Asian-American groups were influenced by the music and culture of East L.A.'s bands. Manaka has a book out about the music scene he was a part of, "Chronicles of a Sansei Rocker." Date of interview: July 23, 2025
Episode 60- Suzanna Guzman (opera singer)
Mark Guerrero interviews opera singer Susanna Guzman, who is a two-time Emmy Award winner and four time nominee. She's a mezzo-soprano and native of East L.A. Susanna has performed as a principal soloist with leading orchestras and opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, Washington National Opera, San Diergo Opera, among others. Date of interview: September 10, 2025here2
Episode 61- Ray Rodriguez of Yaqui
Mark Guerrero interviews drummer Ray Rodriguez, who played with The Fabulous Sounds, Thee Enchantments, Yaqui, Little Ray, Cannibal & the Headhunters, El Chicano, Redbone, Mark Guerrero, and many others. Date of interview: September 17, 2025
Episode 62- Adolfo "Fuzzy" Martinez of The Village Callers / Chico
Mark Guerrero interviews saxophonist Adolfo "Fuzzy" Martinez, who played with the seminal East L.A. band The Village Callers in the 60s. Their recording of "Hector" is an Eastside classic and has been sampled by The Beastie Boys and Cypress Hill and appeared in the Tarantino movie, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." In the early 70s he was a member of Poverty Train, whose members included vocalist Geree Gonzalez, Cecilio later of Cecilio & Kopono, trumpeter Mike Mercado, and drummer Bobby Figuroa, who would later play with the Beach Boys. Fuzzy has been a member of Chico, who evolved out of The Village Callers, from the mid-70s to the present. Date of interview: October 3, 2025
Episode 63- Bertha Oropeza of Eastside Connection / Chico
Mark Guerrero interviews Bertha Oropeza, an extraordinary vocalist who sang with Eastside Connection in the early 70s and Chico fpr 38 years and continuing until the present. She has sung with El Chicano and was on the soundtrack and in the movie "Zoot Suit" in 1981. Date of interview: October 24, 2025
Episode 64- Louie Mendez of Los Rock Angels / Trio Los Dados
Mark Guerrero interviews singer/songwriter/musician Louie Mendez of Los Rock Angels and Trio Los Dados. Louie has also played with The Texas Tornados, Flaco Jimenez, and the "King of Latin Soul," Joe Bataan. Date of interview: November 24, 2025
Episode 65- Jimi Seville of Yaqui
Mark Guerrero interviews keyboardist Jimi Seville, who was a member of Yaqui in the early 70s. He's also played with many of East L.A.'s most legendary musicians and singers such as Frankie "Cannibal" Garcia, Little Ray Jimenez, David Torrez, Rick Rosas, Bobby Figueroa, Geree Gonzalez, and many more. Before he played with Yaqui he was in other popular East L.A. bands including Yesterday's Dream, The Majestics, and Our Generation. He's also played with Ricci Martin (Dean Martin's son), major tribute bands, and has toured around the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia. Date of interview: December 4, 2025
Episode 66- Jimmie Meza of The Atlantics
Mark Guerrero interviews guitarist Jimmie Meza of The Atlantics, a 1960s band managed by the legendary Billy Cardenas. They recorded to 45 rpm singles for Eddie Davis' Rampart Records in 1965. After a stint in the army, Jimmie did not continue playing music for 35 years until joining The Montclairs and the East L.A. Revue All Stars. Date of interview: December 22, 2025
Episode 67- Eddie Rodriguez of The Little Heartbreakers
Mark Guerrero interviews singer/drummer/visual artist Eddie Rodriguez, who was in the vocal duo, The Little Heartbreakers in the 1960s. He went on to sing and play drums in many bands throughout the years. His latest band is The Disciples. Eddie is also a world-class visual artist, who has done murals, canvases, and other media. Date of interview: February 18, 2026
Episode 68- Dan Medina of The Ambertones
Mark Guerrero interviews Dan Medina, vocalist and keyboardist of the popular East L.A. band The Ambertones, who made over ten 45 rpm singles. He was drafted and went to Viet Nam in 1966. After his service he rejoined The Ambertones, who morphed in The Retro Boomers, who backed up major artists on Dick Clark Tours. In the early 2000s he became a city councilman in Gardena, CA and helped create a lot of programs to help the city. Date of interview: March 19, 2026
Episode 69- Raul Pacheco of Ozomatli
Mark Guerrero interviews Raul Pacheco, vocalist and guitarist for Ozomatli. Formed in 1995, Ozomatli are known for their activism and diverse musical styles, including salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, hip hop, and others. They have nine studio albums to their credit, toured the world, performed with symphony ochestras, and much more. Ozomatli creates music to give voice to and reveal the culture and lives of Latinos, fight for workers' rights, and promote a global unity. Date of interview: April 7, 2026
Episode 70- Fito de la Parra of Canned Heat
Mark Guerrero interviews drummer and long-time leader of legendary blues band Canned Heat, who played at Woodstock in 1969 and recorded many albums from 1967 through 2024 and had three international hit records, "On the Road Again," "Let's Get Together," and "Going Up the Country." They also made an album and toured with blues icon John Lee Hooker, "Hooker 'N Heat." Fito also has an East L.A. connection having played with Canned Heat in East L.A. several times, knowing East L.A. bands/musicians, and doing shows with Los Lobos. Date of interview: August 12, 2026
Episode 71- Alfredo Rubalcava of Tierra
Mark Guerrero interviews bassist/guitarist Alfredo Rubalcava, who played with The Vicounts in East L.A. in the 60s and Tierra in the late 70s. His uncles, Chico, Lalo, and Joe Guerrero, were accomplished musicians starting in the 1940s. Like many others in his era, Alfredo's music career was interrupted by his military service in Viet Nam. He also worked extensively with hit artist Michael Sembello, recorded a solo album, and collaborated on other recordings.
