Love, longing, and teenage dreams formed the emotional core of teen love songs that dominated the 1950s and early 1960s. This era saw a shift in musical idols, moving away from traditional crooners and embracing artists who resonated with younger audiences, filling the radio airwaves with a fresh sound. My own journey with these sounds began in childhood, thanks to cassette tapes, specifically the Cruisin’ Classics compilations from Shell gas stations in the late 80s. These tapes, with their ten tracks per volume, became the soundtrack to weekend trips to my grandmother’s, my sister and I belting out tunes like “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye and “Oh, What A Night” by The Dells.
This golden age of music remains a cherished period for record collectors like myself. As a DJ, I’ve had the incredible privilege of sharing my passion for these tracks, including opening for the iconic Lee Fields and performing alongside Oakland’s esteemed soul music collectives such as Suavecito Souldies, Chulita Vinyl Club, B-Side Brujas, and my own On The Real Side. Love songs, in their purest form, possess an undeniable power to energize dance floors, evoke cherished memories, and ignite genuine feelings of affection.
The Essence of Lowrider Oldies
But what exactly defines “lowrider oldies”? It’s more than just music to cruise to; it represents a cultural tapestry woven with history, artistic expression, community bonds, and identity. For over half a century, Mexican-American lowrider communities, particularly in East Los Angeles, have turned to this specific era of music to provide the perfect sonic backdrop for their slow and deliberate processions. They sought a sound characterized by heartfelt harmonies expressing love, devotion, and the melancholic pangs of heartbreak, all set against dynamic arrangements and robust rhythm and blues beats.
Through the dedication of local record collectors and influential DJs like the legendary Art Laboe, this culture meticulously curated an extensive catalog of R&B, doo-wop, and harmony soul, broadly recognized as “oldies.” The term “lowrider oldies” transcends strict genre boundaries, instead denoting a specific sonic texture and tempo associated with these songs. Many of these gems were compiled in the 80s and 90s on Thump Records’ acclaimed Lowrider Oldies series and the iconic vinyl collections known as East Side Story, both instantly recognizable by their album covers featuring classic lowriders. These series brought together essential soul, doo-wop, and funk tracks from artists like The Penguins, The Four Tops, The Delfonics, Barbara Mason, and Brenton Wood.
The Enduring Legacy
These compilations, especially the East Side Story series, remain incredibly popular today, notably celebrated by The East Side Story Project. This ongoing appreciation underscores the profound significance of these underground soul classics within the Chicano community, where they are deeply intertwined with cultural nostalgia.
So, take a moment to unwind, settle into your favorite ride with someone special, and let the ageless melodies of our Lowrider Oldies station set the mood. For those eager to delve deeper, explore my personally curated playlist featuring b-sides, hidden treasures, and familiar favorites.
Michelle (aka DJ Mexican Spitfire)
