The Xicano Records Journey

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The Brooks 4 - Bound Brook, NJ

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The Teamates Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s a small world?” I have definitely been able to connect myself with that saying recently! Recently, I had picked up the above record pictured; “Calendar of Love” by The Teamates. I am familiar with the “Le-Mans Records” record label, as one of my teachers & mentors to the music - Louis Longo recorded with his group on the label. I refer to Louis as uncle Louis, as we are close in that aspect; anyways - the label sparked interest! I got a hold of my uncle and I had asked him “Didn’t you record a single for Le-Mans with your group the Four Tiers?” He confirmed it, and mentioned that the Teamates are his close friends; “The Brooks Four!” The Brooks Four went by several names which included: The Four Winds, & The Teamates. Given that my uncle is close friends with The Brooks Four, they actually recorded a record together. In 1965, Robert “Bobby” Paladino (lead singer of The Brooks Four) wrote out an original compositio...
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Behind the scenes of Xicano Records

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Xicano Record Co. EST 2015 In 2015 I had the idea to start a record label that would be able to represent who I am as a person and the music I love to play and seek out. Eventually, learning to love my Chicano background and my community full of Chicanos and the lowrider culture all around, I decided to name my record label "Chicano records" … but spelled with an “X” in front of it. Why so? In Nahuatl (the Mexican Uto-Aztecan language,) the “X” is pronounced “CH” and is a first generation way of spelling “Chicano.” I wanted to use the X to symbolize my love for finding ORIGINAL and hard to find oldies on their native formats - the vinyl record. For some time - the idea for this record label sat dormant; EVEN after I started to promote it and out its name out there. It was until I entered Dr. Preston’s English 3 class where he promoted a “Big Question” in our lives that revived my pursuit for building this record label. He urged me to follow my passion of...
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A song lost in time, becomes a hit 50 years after its release

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A record with an AMAZING story      If you watch TV a lot, chances are you've seen this Bacardi House Party commercial . Initially aired in 2015, this fun looking commercial was backed up by a killer Teener / Garage sounding song, but no one knew what it was called! This is the story of "Born To Wander."     In 1966, Jack Woods began playing gigs at a bar in Grand Rapids, Michigan only making $10 a night! A frequent costumer of the bar complimented Jack on his voice and suggested he make a record; he noticed Jack's musical ability. The idea flowed nicely in Jack's head as he had already written up some songs. Around 2 weeks later on a Sunday afternoon, he wrote "Born To Wander" in around 20 minutes! Seeing potential in the song, he rehearsed it for a few hours with a local band. Jack found 2 black girls for background vocals and spent no more than a few hours practicing with them and the group.      A few weeks later, Jack booke...
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