Los Tigres Del Norte
Biography
Los Tigres del Norte, an iconic norteño group, was founded in Rosa Morada, a small town in Sinaloa, Mexico, in 1968. The band was started by the teenage Hernández brothers—Jorge, Hernán, Eduardo, and Luis—along with their cousin Oscar Lara. Seeking to support their family, they moved to San Jose, California, where they began their musical journey. The group's name, which translates to "The Tigers of the North," was reputedly given to them by an immigration official who referred to the young, ambitious boys as "little tigers."
Musical Style and Career
Los Tigres del Norte are renowned for their modern take on norteño music, a genre characterized by the accordion and bajo sexto. They have infused traditional sounds with elements of bolero, cumbia, rock, and waltzes. Their lyrical content is a significant aspect of their identity, with songs that narrate stories about life, love, and the struggles of ordinary people. They are particularly famous for their corridos, which are narrative songs often focusing on social and political issues, including immigration and the drug trade. This storytelling approach has earned them the moniker "the voice of the people."
Their breakthrough came in 1974 with the song "Contrabando y Traición," a corrido about drug trafficking that captivated audiences with its cinematic storytelling. This song's success marked a pivotal moment for the band and the norteño genre. Over their five-decade career, Los Tigres del Norte have sold over 40 million albums and have had 24 number-one albums and over 50 number-one singles. They were the first act signed to Fama Records, which became a leading Spanish-language label on the West Coast.
Key Members and Evolution
The core of the band has remained a family affair. The current lineup consists of Jorge Hernández (director, lead vocals, accordion), Hernán Hernández (bass, vocals), Eduardo Hernández (accordion, alto saxophone, bajo sexto, vocals), Luis Hernández (bajo sexto, vocals), and their cousin Oscar Lara on drums. The band's sound evolved with the guidance of producer Art Walker, who encouraged them to adopt an electric style, incorporating bass, drums, and electric guitar into their traditional acoustic setup.
Awards and Recognition
Los Tigres del Norte's immense contribution to music has been widely recognized. They have won 7 Grammy Awards and 12 Latin Grammy Awards. In 1988, their album "Gracias, América sin Fronteras" won a Grammy Award. They also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014, a first for a norteño band. Their 2019 project, "Los Tigres del Norte at Folsom Prison," which included a Netflix documentary and a soundtrack album, won a Grammy and was lauded as one of the best Latin albums of the decade by Billboard.
Cultural Impact
Los Tigres del Norte are more than just a band; they are cultural icons. Their music provides a voice for the Latin American immigrant community, addressing issues such as racism and the challenges faced by migrant workers. They have performed at major venues and events, including a headlining performance at Mexico's bicentennial celebration for over 200,000 people. In a groundbreaking move, they recorded the first MTV Unplugged album in the Regional Mexican genre. In 2014, they released the song “Era Diferente,” which is considered the first norteño song to address LGBTQ+ love.