This feature documentary, boasting unprecedented and exclusive access to the band and their personal archival footage and music, will offer an intimate and exhilarating look inside this uniquely American band. Featuring exclusive interviews with international artists and activists including Dolores Huerta, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, George Lopez, Bonnie Raitt, Ozomatli, Congressman Joaquin Castro and Edward James Olmos, this creatively charged documentary will tell a spectacular and inspiring story of cultural fusion. It promises to deliver what the country and the world needs now more than ever - positivity, empowered through art, music and passion.
The Los Lobos Native Son story begins in the early seventies in the predominantly Spanish-speaking neighborhoods of East Los Angeles.
Louie Pérez, David Hidalgo, Cesar Rojas, Francisco Gonzales and Conrad Lozano (and later Steve Berlin), charted an unprecedented creative journey that began by playing traditional Mexican-American music to entertain their families and then graduating to gigs in local restaurants and social events in communities across what was then known as “East Los.”
It didn’t take long for this modest team of talented lyricists, musicians, poets and social activists to proudly carry the spirit of Chicano identity into the mainstream, blazing a trail of musical crossover success that has made them one of the most enduring and best-loved American bands ever.
Los Lobos benefit concert for the United Farm Workers in 1974.
Left to right: Louie Pérez, Conrad Lozano, Cesar Chavez, Cesar Rosas and David Hidalgo.
The bands big break came in 1987 when they were selected to cover Ritchie Valens’ hit La Bamba for the film of the same title. The track went double platinum and the rest is pop culture history! Their longtime formula for success is underscored by having been invited to perform live in Washington, DC for three sitting presidents and recognition by the National Endowment of the Arts and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Los Lobos 50 years of touring and performing around the country is a testament to the band’s astounding resilience and broad audience appeal. The Los Lobos Native Sons documentary team has been there in the mix, not only to record the shows, but also the unique perspectives of concertgoers, social activists and renowned artists. This creatively charged documentary will tell this spectacular and inspiring story while also showcasing the ongoing creative work of this truly American band.