By Scott McDonald – For The Californian | ∞
Los Lonely Boys have led a charmed existence.
In the four short years since Epic Records released their self-titled debut, they’ve seen that album go multi-platinum, been nominated for multiple Grammys (winning one in 2005), and scored a No. 1 Billboard Adult Contemporary chart hit.
The three San Angelo, Texas, brothers —- Henry, JoJo and Ringo Garza —- are following the lead and tradition of their musician father. Ringo Garza Sr. formed and played with the southern Texas band, The Falcones, in the 1970s and ’80s. When they broke up, Garza continued on and enlisted his not-quite-teenage sons as a backing band. The family relocated to Nashville a short time later. The brothers decided to try it on their own, and Los Lonely Boys was born. Ringo Sr. has supported them every step of the way.
“He is definitely proud of what we’re doing,” JoJo said from band practice at Henry’s house. “He’s always been behind us 100 percent. All of our family has been behind us and supported the band, but our father is the real reason we do what we do. He taught all of us how to play and we grew up on the road as a family band when we were youngsters. I don’t think he could be more proud of us now.”
For Los Lonely Boys, it has always been a family affair. While arguments and normal sibling friction has been unavoidable, the brothers enjoy the familiarity and like-mindedness that only growing up together can bring. They find it essential to the band and wouldn’t want it any other way.
“It’s definitely a gift from God,” JoJo said. “It’s something we feel is a true blessing. A lot of bands come and go, but family is forever. We just add our relationship into the equation of also being musicians and running a business together. Like anyone else we’re just trying to provide for our own families, but being brothers has a million advantages.”
Another advantage for Los Lonely Boys has been the opportunity to work with perennial superstars like Willie Nelson and Santana. In 2005, the brothers recorded a song for Santana’s “All That I Am” album and joined him on a national tour. Their self-titled debut album was recorded at Willie Nelson’s Pedernales recording studio. They have played at his annual family picnic, and Nelson provided vocals on their sophomore effort, “Sacred.”
“All of the time we’ve spent with Willie has been great,” JoJo said. “Learning about him from our Dad and realizing the fact that he is a real American icon adds to it all. It’s special that he’s let us in as close as he has to his life. He’s just really good people and has the best hopes and wishes for everybody. He’s unbelievable. And it’s the same way with Santana. We’ve been lucky to play with a lot of great people, but hanging out with Santana and Willie is a really great thing.”
2008 has been especially busy for the Boys. They released their third studio album, “Forgiven,” in July and just released their first holiday offering, “Christmas Spirit,” last month. The album infuses standards like “Jingle Bells,” “Away In A Manger,” and “Silent Night” with the trademark Garza Texican, blues-rock sound. They also offer two festive originals they hope will someday be part of the holiday canon.
“It just seemed like perfect timing,” JoJo said. “We’ve been talking about doing a Christmas album for a good long while now. We finally decided on what songs we wanted and added a couple of originals that we wrote during the holidays. I think it’s a really versatile album and captures the Christmas spirit. We can only hope that it will part of the tradition forever.”
Additionally, Los Lonely Boys were asked to sing the National Anthem at Game 2 of the World Series last month at Tropicana Field. They did a traditional, a cappella version of the standard that drew a standing ovation long before the song was over. While the Garza brothers didn’t play all that much baseball growing up, they felt it was a “true honor” to participate in such a monumental event.
Los Lonely Boys show no signs of slowing down and are excited to get out on the road. They have two new albums of music to share with audiences and are already thinking about new music. Through it all, they always try to keep things in perspective.
“We’re just three Chicanos from West Texas,” JoJo said. “We were blessed with the gift of music and were raised with a good, hard work ethic. We were blessed with the thought that you could make a lot with only a little. We always believed in each other and always believe in ourselves. It’s a true American dream.”
Los Lonely Boys
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 16
Where: Pechanga Showroom, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula
Tickets: $55-$80
Info: (951) 770-2507