[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 42 (Thursday, April 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO LOS LOBOS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 1997

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
recognize the internationally acclaimed musicians Los Lobos for sharing 
their remarkable talents and their spirit of generosity with the people 
of America. The quintet has steadily gained fans internationally and 
earned a place as one of music's most uncompromising innovators. What 
is less known but equally as valuable about Louie Perez, Cesar Rosas, 
David Hidalgo, Conrad Lozano, and Steve Berlin is their roles as 
Ambassadors of goodwill. Los Lobos have become inspirational role 
models for the greater Los Angeles community, especially for our 
children.
  Messrs. Perez, Rosas, Hidalgo, and Lozano were born and raised in 
east Los Angeles and were friends at Garfield High School. They came of 
age during the 1960's rock movement but have never abandoned their 
Mexican folk music heritage. The band's 20-plus-year history 
incorporates traditional rhythms, American folk, rock-and-roll and R&B 
among its influences. However, the strongest pull for Los Lobos derives 
from their east Los Angeles roots.
  Los Lobos have released 10 albums and collaborated on numerous film, 
television, theatrical, and commercial productions. In 1985, the group 
received the distinction as ``Band of the Year'' by Rolling Stone. It 
was their hit ``La Bamba,'' one of eight Ritchie Valens remakes 
recorded for the namesake movie soundtrack, that thrust them into 
America's eye and brought the band international acclaim. The song was 
Billboard's No. 1 pop single in 1987.
  In 1988, Los Lobos received a Grammy Award for ``Best Mexican-
American Performance'' for ``La Pistola Y El Corazon.'' They have 
received other accolades ranging from MTV Music Video Awards to ``L.A. 
Times Album of the Year.''
  All of what I have just recited explains the fame. But, one of Los 
Lobos' most recent perhaps most cherished achievements has been their 
support of Broadoaks Children's School in Whittier, CA. The group has 
raised considerable funds during three sold-out benefit concerts at 
Whittier College. All of these funds have enabled the school to expand 
its services to children, families, and teachers throughout Los 
Angeles.
  In 1996, Broadoaks dedicated its newest building the ``Los Lobos 
Learning Center,'' honoring the groups commitment to this first through 
sixth grade elementary school. The Los Lobos Learning Center includes 
two classrooms for fourth through sixth grade students, many of whom 
require special education services. All students in this center are 
required to participate in public service projects to instill the value 
of volunteerism--a reminder and tribute to their benefactors.
  Mr. Speaker, on Friday, April 11, 1997, friends and family will 
gather at a dinner to pay special tribute to Los Lobos to acknowledge 
the group's commitment and generosity toward the children at Broadoaks 
Children's School. It is with distinct pleasure that I ask my 
colleagues to join me today in saluting these exceptional individuals 
for their outstanding contributions to the music world and for their 
lasting gesture of goodwill toward our community.

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