Tierra is the acclaimed Chicano music band founded by brothers Rudy and Steve Salas. The original members of Tierra included Rudy (guitar and vocals), Steve (guitar and vocals), Bobby Navarete (reeds), Joey Guerra (keyboards), Steve Falomir (bass guitar), Philip Madayag and Andre Baeza (drums and percussion). Tierra is best known for their break-out 1980 hit Together, a remake of The Intruders 1967 hit which reached #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #9 on the US Billboard R & B chart.
Tierra albums include their original 1973 first album, Tierra, which features the soulful Barrio Suite which established the Tierra sound. This album was followed by Stranded (1975). In 1980 they released their iconic album City Nights, which provided them with their hit Together but also included the popular Memories, Street Scene and Zoot Suit Boogie. The band went on a national tour performing at such venues as Carnegie Hall and the Astrodome. Other albums that have received widespread acclaim are A New Beginning (1989), Street Corner Gold (1995), Two Worlds- Dos Munods (2001), Welcome to Cafe East L.A. (2005) and On Solid Ground (2013).
In 1997 Steve Salas and Rudy Salas parted company resulting in two bands, both of which use the Tierra banner.
In this extended interview, broadcast every evening in September from 7PM on the Chicano National Radio network. In Mark Guerrero’s Chicano Music Chronicles, Mark quizzes Rudy on his long career, the success of Tierra, and his current musical ventures. Enjoy mark Guerrero’s Chicano Music Chronicles!