Tierra
Genres
Tierra is an influential American Latin R&B band, originally from Los Angeles, California. The band was formed in 1973 by brothers Rudy and Steve Salas, who sought to fuse diverse genres like rock, pop, jazz, R&B, salsa, and soul, with an emphasis on harmonies, to represent the rich culture of their East L.A. community.
Tierra gained significant recognition with their 1980 rendition of "Together", a song originally performed by The Intruders in 1967. Their version peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, making them the first Latino band to have a hit on an English-language chart.
Their success continued with several other chart-topping tracks like "Gonna Find Her", "Memories", and "La La Means I Love You". Their album "City Nights" was a particular triumph, featuring the hit single "Zoot Suit Boogie".
Despite various lineup changes, Tierra has remained active for over four decades, releasing a total of 15 albums. The band's enduring legacy in the Chicano music scene has earned them numerous awards, including the 1997 "Best R&B Album" from the California Music Awards for their album "Greatest Hits".
Tierra's impact extends beyond music; they're also recognized for their contributions to the Chicano civil rights movement. Their music has provided a voice for the Latino community, reflecting their experiences and struggles while celebrating their culture and heritage.