IN ROCK'S HEYDAY, THE STAFFS REFLECTED THE ERA

(L to R: David Ceballos, Jesse Salinas, Raul Kiko Altamirano, Emilio Froggie Reyna and Ruben Ceballos)
Special to El Rrun-Rrun

A Sentimental Journey...

While television was making its way into our living rooms in the 1950s, it was radio that dominated the air waves.

It was an era when Rock ‘n Roll was creating lasting impressions with our youth. In the 1960s the Beatles exploded into the scene with a global impact. As the period progressed, many other musical groups broke into the scene — inspiring an outpouring of musical talent across the globe and more particularly, in our own back yard.

In Brownsville, as in South Texas,  teenagers were also intoxicated with the sounds of the era. House and school dances were popular but the “Youth Center” at Fort Brown proved even more tantalizing— bringing a more diversified group of teens from throughout the city. By then, girls had left their petticoats and bobby socks behind.

Playing 45s was common at house dances, but who was providing the live music at the other
venues?

This story is about one such group, The Staffs. Yes, there were like many other local garage bands known as such because most rehearsed in the neighborhood house garages.

The Staffs started in 1962 without the modern recording studio and/or the digital technology of today. But they had the love for music and the raw talent that transcended beyond the “barrio.”

Shared Passion

The Staffs were born in the revolutionary period of the 1960s—as music and teenagers of the era merged in a period of change. The girls were now wearing mini-skirts, the baby doll dress, and for some, the pantsuit was more to their liking.

The Ceballos sisters, Belinda and Maggie, made sure the band kept up to date with the latest sounds by listening to 45s of those that were on top of the music charts. Their knowledge helped the band to create their own brand of music.

The Staffs were born, grew and succeeded because of the shared passion for music by the Ceballos family. Mr. Ceballos, who was the manager/promoter, took care of marketing the band. He had promotional posters and band suit designs crafted in Mexico. Mrs. Carmen Ceballos and her daughters took care of the tickets and receipts—making sure every penny was accounted for.

The Ceballos house became a sanctuary for the group — it was there that the boys developed a special fondness for Mrs. Ceballos. She embraced all as her own sons.

While the band started locally, it eventually made their way to tour around Texas. In 1966, the dream to produce their first single ended  and the band and its lead singer, Raul Altamirano recorded  “Another Love,” on the PA-Go-Go label out of San Antonio. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fPx4wMsk_M

As the ugly face of war revealed its face, the group disbanded as most of them joined the military.
Within months, they were in Vietnam, carrying rifles instead of musical instruments, and playing a decidedly different tune. They left behind their loved ones and their music, the music that evoked memories of their innocent years and the yesteryear of American society

It is often said that music inspires, heals and connects—the Staffs did that for us and much more.

(L to R : Juan Barrientes, Ruben Ceballos, David Ceballos kneeling Raul Kiko Altamirano and Emilio Froggie Reyna)

Where are they now…?

David Ceballos retired from sales management and resides in San Antonio. His brother Ruben is
a retired pastor who lives in Milwaukee. Raul “Kiko” Altamirano is still jamming with the
Highway 100 Band. Juan Barrientes  was awarded three purple hearts was playing until his death in 2014. Emilio “Froggie” Reyna is retired and lives in Brownsville. Jesse Salinas works and lives in Colorado.