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The story of Cannibal and the Headhunters by Greg Esparza
Its a story about dreams of becoming singers and recording stars like all the people they idolized on the radio... The soul sound was dominated by the Black groups, but it was enjoyed by all that had the pleasure of listening and dancing to it... The four original singers of Cannibal and the Headhunters did not pioneer a sound, however they did make their mark in Rock and Roll history and managed to open the door much more for future Chicano rockeros... In the 60's, East L.A. was experiencing a music revolution that would give birth to groups that covered everything from the classic Boleros to Soul and Rock and Roll!!! While groups like Thee Midniters were holding true to the home crowd - Cannibal and the Headhunters went Top 40 and toured the East Coast with the powerhouse acts from Motown and also worked with groups like Hermin's Hermits and the Rolling Stones... All within a short time span that lead up to one of their biggest claims to fame as the opening act for The Beatles 1965 2nd U.S. World Tour, and at the same time introducing the world to the East L.A. sound...
Before 1964 - When they were Bobby and the Classics by Greg Esparza
While attending Lincoln High School in East L.A. in 1963 and a couple years before Cannibal and the Headhunters fame, they were 2 kids in Mrs. Meades Choir class, they would later be known as Bobby and the Classics, started by Richard Lopez and Bobby Mata Jaramillo. The boys were from the Ramona Garden Housing Projects where they honed their skills with direction from a neighborhood soul group, "The Showcases". The quartet featured Pops, Hubbard, Big Tommy and Lil Tommy Keys... Bobby developed quickly with the Showcases and was soon able to sing any part in their four man harmony. On more than one occassion, he would fill in if one of their guys couldn't make the gig. The day soon came where the two friends formed "Bobby and the Classics", a four man harmony consisting of Bobby, Richard, Joe (Rabbit's younger brother) and Tommy Keys from the Showcases. I'd heard Bobby tell this story several times about how Joe came to be in the group - so I know it's a dear memory for him and worth sharing. Bobby grew up in a very large family and with the permission of his Father, he converted the old chicken coop they had into a clubhouse and spot where they would practice singing and listen to music. Well one night Bobby, Richard and Tommy were practicing their harmonies and typically running 3 part harmonies but with just three voices Bobby would sing double duty filling in the harmony while also switching back to the lead vocal. They were singing "Lovers Island", a popular love song of the times that features a high falsetto. Just as the song was getting to the falsetto part Joe happened to be walking by to throw the trash out as he overheard the song and filled in the falsetto with a very sweet sound that caught their attention. The next thing Bobby did was swing open the chicken coop door to see who it was - and there was Joe singing the part! Right then and there Bobby and the Classics pulled him into the chicken coop and made him an official member... Joe told me once that at that moment it was one of his best memories too because for him it was a big deal to finally get to hang with older kids... I guess you could say it was the best of both worlds for all that magical night in East Los... (to be continued)
Greg Esparza's debut with Cannibal and the Headhunters
We're on Catalina Island at the 1999 Brazilian festival. This was a double debut for Greg Esparza debuing as a professional singer and also his first show with Cannibal and the Headhunters. "I was pretty nervous, but I think the guys were more more nervous for me because they kept asking if I was gonna be allright. Well, once the show started; I was right at home and the show was a great success!"
At the Hop
I always loved this photo. It captures a 1960's Doo-Wop moment. I always dreamed of travelling back in time to sing the oldies - Well, this magical night I made that dream come true... (Photo courtesy of Monica Esparza)
Cinco De Mayo at Olvera Street DnTn L.A.
Pictured from L to R is Richard "Scar" Lopez, Cesar "DJ" Lemus, Gregory "The Gent" Esparza and Robert "Rabbit" Jaramillo. (David Castaneda is not pictured here)
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