The Salas Brothers, Steve & Rudy have been a major influence on the Eastside Sound from the mid 1960’s right up to present day. Their nearly fifty years of recording and live performances make them legendary figures in the changing music world and Chicano Soul while staying true to their musical roots.
Steve and Rudy Salas grew up in East Los Angeles and began performing at neighborhood bazaars and events at the very young age of 9 and 11. With their fathers consent, the Salas Brothers started performing with The Jaguars at El Monte Legion Stadium, the Paramount Ballroom and other local venues.
Rudy had a part on The Jaguars’ single “Where Lovers Go (Faro 618) in 1964.
By 1965 the boys had been introduced to Eddie Davis who took them into the studio to record their first record. “Darling (Please Bring Your Love) and “Leaving You” were released on Davis’ Faro label (Faro 614) in 1965. “Darling” was a remake of Phil & Harv’s classic ballad from 1961.
For their second single The Salas Brothers recorded ” The Return Of Farmer John” and “Love Is Strange” released on the Faro label (Faro 619) in 1965. “The Return Of Farmer John” is an answer to The Premiers big hit “Farmer John” “Love Is Strange” is a remake of the Mickey & Sylvia hit.
For their third & final single, The Salas Brothers recorded “One Like Mine” and backed it with a Christmas classic “Donde Esta Santa Claus” for Faro (Faro 625) also in 1965.
After high school Steve went to Stanford University and would record with his group Six-Pak in 1969 and in 1972 would sing lead on El Chicano’s “Brown Eyed Girl”
In 1969 Rudy Salas would record guitar with the group One G + Three.
(Special thanks to youfoundthateastsidesound for the content)