Los Chichos
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Founder | Juan Antonio Jiménez, Julio González, Emilio González |
| Headquarters | Madrid , Spain |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Number of employees | 3 (original lineup), 3 (reformed lineup) |
Los Chichos is a Spanish musical ensemble established in the mid-1970s by vocalist and songwriter Juan Antonio Jiménez alongside siblings Julio and Emilio González. The band reached the height of its fame throughout the 1980s and underwent a reorganization in 1990 when Jiménez embarked on a solo path. Having sold 15 million records, Los Chichos stands as one of Spain’s top-selling musical groups. They played a key role in popularizing rumba flamenca, alongside contemporaries such as Los Chunguitos.
Originating from a large family that relocated from Madrid to La Mancha, Emilio and Julio González initiated their musical journey in Salamanca, collaborating with the Farina brothers before relocating to Madrid to perform at local venues. During this period, Emilio encountered Eduardo Guervós, the manager of Discoteca Lover Club in Vallecas, who took on their management and arranged performances throughout Spain. Following a gig at Sala Nuevo Electra in Vigo, they incorporated Juan Antonio Jiménez Muñoz (“Jero”) into the group.
While in Madrid, they established connections with various musicians, including guitarist Antonio Sánchez, father to Paco de Lucía, who invited them to record a demo at Fonogram studio. This session yielded their breakthrough hit "Quiero ser libre," penned by 19-year-old Jero during a short incarceration.
Early years
Los Chichos emerged as pioneers of the rumba flamenca genre, securing a contract with Philips Records and releasing their debut singles toward the end of 1973. The remixing work by Joseph Torregrossa was instrumental in crafting their signature rumba-rock style, characterized by prominent bass lines, percussion rhythms, and horn arrangements. The lyrics, authored by Jero, depicted the realities of working-class communities affected by substance abuse and crime.
Their initial three albums represented significant achievements within Spanish pop-rock music. For their fourth release, they integrated popular electronic synth elements prevalent in clubs. In 1979, with their sixth album Amor y Ruleta (Love and Roulette), they reverted to an energetic rumba-rock style, supporting it through widespread television appearances that enhanced both record sales and concert attendance.
Peak and decline
Throughout the 1980s, Los Chichos became a leading force in Spanish music culture. Their album Bailarás con alegría (You Will Dance with Joy) is regarded as one of their hallmark productions. On Adelante, synthesizers and experimental techno arrangements replaced earlier orchestral sounds. In 1985, they released a well-received soundtrack for the film Yo, El Vaquilla.
As musical tastes diversified during this era, Los Chichos experienced a decline in popularity. Internal disputes coupled with substance abuse problems culminated in Jero’s exit; his final contribution was featured on the band’s double live album.
Restructured
In 1991, the González brothers reassembled Los Chichos with Emilio’s son Junior joining the lineup, making their debut performance at Montjuïc amusement park. However, initial albums from this new formation did not achieve commercial success.
Jero independently produced two modestly received albums distributed on cassette before his tragic suicide in 1995, an event that profoundly impacted fans and associates alike. His son Chaboli later paid tribute to him through musical works.
Despite these hardships, dedicated followers known as “chicheros” remained steadfast supporters of Los Chichos. In 2000, a greatest hits compilation reached number one on the charts. The 2001 album Ladrón de Amores achieved gold status, followed by another successful release Cabibi in 2002. Their 2009 album El Amor deja sentencia is considered among the most successful Spanish-language records ever released.
Musical style
The band's sound fuses flamenco and rumba with elements of fandango and pop, creating a flamenco-pop genre initially developed by Joseph Torregrossa. Prominent flamenco-pop artists in this vein include Las Grecas, Los Chunguitos, and Tow. Rumba flamenca itself is influenced by Catalan rumba as well as rock, soul, and funk genres.
Their artistic progression can be divided into five distinct phases:
- 1973–1977: Spanning from Ni más, ni menos to Son ilusiones, this was their peak commercial era.
- 1978–1983: Covering the period from Mala Ruina Tengas to Déjame Solo, characterized by artistic growth and culminating in Amor de Compra y Venta (1980).
- 1984–1985: Marked by critical acclaim with releases like Adelante and Yo, El Vaquilla.
- 1986–1990: A downturn period highlighted by the album Ojos Negros.
- 1990–present: A revival phase featuring collections of their greatest hits.
Instrumentation
The blend of rumba-flamenco and pop, combined with Torregrossa's arrangements, led to a rich instrumental palette including drums, guitars, classical string instruments, bass guitar, and wind instruments. In later years, additions such as piano, synthesizers, and various percussion instruments were incorporated. Vocals featured the González sisters’ trio (Nieves, Mari, Isabel), choral backing, and Roma female vocalists on selected tracks.
Songwriting
Between 1973 and 1976, Jero served as the main composer, crafting hits like "Ni mas, ni menos", "Quiero ser libre", and "Te vas, me dejas". Although he had no formal musical education, his natural ability was instrumental to their early achievements. Starting in 1977, the González brothers expanded their songwriting roles alongside H. Humanes; Jero typically contributed four songs per album while the others provided three each.
After 1990, the González brothers assumed primary responsibility for songwriting. Emilio "Junior" González Garcia made significant contributions particularly on the Gitano album. Among post-Jero compositions, "Nieve", penned by musician Queco, stands out as their most renowned track.
Members
Original lineup (1973–1990):
- Juan Antonio Jiménez Muñoz "Jero" – vocals and Spanish guitar
- Emilio Gonzalez Gabarre – guitar, lead and backing vocals
- Julio González Gabarre – guitar, lead and backing vocals
Reformed lineup (1991–present):
- Emilio Gonzalez Gabarre – guitar, lead and backing vocals
- Julio Gonzalez Gabarre – guitar, lead and backing vocals
- Emilio "Junior" Gonzalez Garcia – lead and backing vocals
Discography
Albums with original lineup:
- Ni más, Ni menos (1974)
- Esto sí que tiene guasa (1975)
- No sé por qué (1976)
- Son Ilusiones (1977)
- Hoy Igual que Ayer (1978)
- Amor y Ruleta (1979)
- Amor de Compra y Venta (1980)
- Bailarás con alegría (1981)
- Ni tú ni yo (1982)
- Déjame Solo (1983)
- Adelante (1984)
- Yo, el Vaquilla (1985)
- Porque nos Queremos (1987)
- Ojos Negros (1988)
- Esto es lo que hay (1989)
Albums with reformed lineup:
- Sangre gitana (1991)
- ¡Amigos, no pasa ná! (1995)
- Gitano (1996)
- Ladrón de Amores (2001)
- Cabibi (2002)
Compilation albums:
- Ni más ni menos (1998)
- Todo Chichos: De la Rumba somos los dueños (2004)
- Hasta aquí hemos llegado (2008)
See also
External links
- Official site
- Television interview with Joaquín Prats on TVE, including the 1980 hit "Mami"
- YouTube collection – A curated selection of notable Los Chichos songs:
- Ni más ni menos
- Quiero ser libre
- Amor de compra y venta
- Bailarás con alegría
- El Vaquilla
- Son Ilusiones
- La Cachimba
- Mujer Cruel
- Antes que tuya fue mía
- Gitanos de piel Morena
- Esto sí que tiene guasa
- Sea como sea
- Dinero
- La Salud
- Entre Rejas
- Soy
- Aun la veo
- Espero que hasta mi
- Gitanos
- Sin sentimientos
- Cansado de amar
- La trampa
- Sueñas
- Olvídame