The Mexican American Experience, a radio program produced by the Longhorn Radio Network, includes interviews, music, and informational programs related to the Mexican American community and their concerns. Program summary: Host Armando Gutierrez discusses the career and music of Little Joe Hernandez. Gutierrez explains that Little Joe y La Familia has been able to reach a national audience while still incorporating traditional roots of Chicano music as well as modern progressive developments, which why they are one of the most popular Chicano musical groups. Their music has been able to reach a national audience while still incorporating traditional roots of Chicano music as well as modern progressive developments. Little Joe was born in Texas and got his start in music with his cousin's band, David Coronado and the Latinaires in 1959. Four years later, his cousin left the group, and Little Joe took over. Several of his songs from this period, including Por una Mujer Casada and Anoche Estuve Llorando, continue to among his most popular. In 1970, the group changed its name to Little Joe y la Familia, reflecting a larger emphasis on Chicano culture. In 1974, the band relocated to California in hope of breaking into the mainstream market. Their music from this period mirrors their desire to reach a new and different audience: some of the songs are in English, and the music became less dance-oriented and more romantic. By 1977, Little Joe had come to regret his move to California and returned to Texas and his musical roots. He became more involved in the Chicano movement. His performances and songs now incorporated political issues. Gutierrez concludes that Little Joe's career reflects the larger Chicano experience. Keywords: Aguascalientes, Mexico, Anoche estuve llorando, Aztecs, Bilingual Music, California, Cartas Marcadas, Chicano Aesthetics, Chicano Movement, Chicano Music, Con el Agua Hasta el Cuello, Corridos, Counterculture, Crossover Music, Cultural Movement, Dance Music, Dark Clouds, David Coronado and the Latinaires, English Language Music, Gritos, Johnny Hernandez, Kansans City, La Media Vuelta, La Raza Unida, La Voz de Aztlan, Las Nubes, Little Joe Hernandez, Little Joe Hernandez and the Latinaires, Little Joe Hernandez y La Familia, Mañana, Polka music, Ramses Muñiz, San Antonio, Spanish Language music, Texas Music. Broadcast date: 1978-06-14.
Creator/Contributor:
Longhorn Radio Network (creator) and Gutiérrez, Armando (host)
Date Created/Date Issued:
6/6/1978
Owning Repository:
Benson Latin American Collection, LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections, The University of Texas at Austin