Los Lobos Revisited: Chicanos and Pop Music in the Late-20th Century

Abstract

This thesis examines the ways Chicanx music, represented by the band Los Lobos, is reflective of a present moment in popular aesthetics of music while also building upon the past while looking towards the future. Los Lobos’ 50 years of music underscore the traditions,aesthetics, and culture of the Chicano Movement, Chicanx culture, and inequities of Los Angeleswhich all coalesce into a unique sound that builds upon the stylings of musicians like Lalo Guerrero and Thee Midniters while inspiring musicians like Los Lonely Boys and The Mavericks to carry the sound forward. Following their career trajectory from inception through to the 1990s, there are reoccurring themes and critiques that undermine Chicanx music in favor of an imagined “authentic” Chicanx sound. By examining each of these critiques paired with album sales (fan response), one can see how much these critiques are only representative of Anglo musical tastes and music industry advertisements.