(L to R: David Ceballos, Jesse Salinas, Raul Kiko Altamirano, Emilio Froggie Reyna and Ruben Ceballos)
Special to El Rrun-Rrun
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.
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.”
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
(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.
18 comments:
Johnny J and The Pomadors, The Bel-Aires, The Diamonds and of course Freddy and I know there's more but I can't remember the names. Again thanks Juan.
I know David is in SA with our dear friend Riley the last I heard.
Oh what wonderful memories of our dances at Stillman Hall at the Civic Center where we all learned how to dance and the dances where cheek to cheek and slow music we could understand and sing along with. The Cebellos Boys, David and Ruben were good friends of the family and so this feature brings back many beautiful clean-cut activities we participated in even at the Ringgold Park Pavillion. How time passes, but good thing the memories are still there for some of us.
I was there when they played Cummings... fond memories
The Youth Center's full name is Robert E. Lee Youth Center. Ah, the good ole days.
I clinked on your link (YouTube) n listened to Another Love... wow!
4 out of the 5 members of the band were Vietnam veterans
I stand corrected! Was the Robert E. Lee Center right next to the small pond that was in the sinking area of the Civic Center? Which was the first room at the end of the building. Was it the Stillman Hall? Can't remember that far back. Lenny and the Belaires, Noe Pro, and all the rest of the young boys who played music for clean and good fun and sane entertainment when we were kids. Weren't we lucky to be born at that time, pobres pero contentos.
And not one of us even had a phone at home and we survived with so many good memories.
Bel air band
Those are my brothers. Thank you Rene Torres for writing about our family. Have many fond beautiful memories of those times. We didn’t have a garage only a carport so the guys would practice in the living room & dining room areas. All our friends & neighbors would gather on the front porch and front lawn and just hang around talking enjoying life’s simple things.My mom was everyone’s mom and treated everyone like if they were her own. Been over 50 yrs and I got texts FB comments about her great cooking but especially her flour tortillas! I remember them playing Mustang Sally, I’m your Puppet, and many more! Belinda C Mendoza
My dad, Juan Barrientes, was very passionate about music. He’d call from Ohio and play music over the phone for me. Miss him so ❤️ I hear many stories of good times, the happiness their music evoked, and the passion each member displayed. Thank you for writing this nostalgic piece.
And don't forget the swimming pool at the back and the Women' Center and the library and of course one of the Champions was in charge of the area (I think). We also saw and heard Little Joe, Noe Pro, Isidro Lopez, Tony De La Rosa and many popular conjuntos of that time. Thanks for the acuerdos
I was a member of the "B" association at old Brownsville High in 1959-60 and we sponsored "Jam Sessions" to highlight local talent at the school. I remember some of the groups like Jerry & Jimmy Gutierrez and their group, Skipper Copeland, Johnny & Benny Mendez, Nola Funkhouser. There was also a girls group but I can't remember their names, maybe some readers can help me out. The auditorium was packed with guys and gals, it was a fun time. Thanks for the memories.
I remember the house it was behind sam stadium and the ceballos family froggie lived next door. They had a room full of records 45's (record not pistols) 33's, albums all kinds of records and music and I mean the room was full all stacked on shelves and in order.
I remember the family was always super nice to everybody. Will never forget. Thanks Juan for the memories como siempre
Juan there used to be a brownsville police officer name Phillip Turner didnt he also have a band?
I went to my first dance at the Stillman Hall in the late 50's and Archie Pier and the Rhythmnaires were playing. The group consisted of Archie, Rosendo, Robert, Chavalo and Cornejo, all BHS students. I also remember Squeezer Garcia and his band which consisted of Joe Von Hotten, Neto Cortina, and Cornejo. There were probably other members but I cannot remember their names. Squeezer played at clubs, parties, weddings for years and years. I'm sure some of my fellow seniors remember some of these guys and the great times they provided. I enjoyed the story on The Staffs very much, it was a classic. Keep up the good work Juan and Rene.
Squeezer opened a club name Squeeze Inn which is now the old 77 and Freddy Fender played there almost every night. The front door had a 45 bullet hole. Every body would say that is was done by a 45 true or not I don't know about the bullet hole. Es la pura verdad
There were great bands during that era , plenty of clean fun
Hi Im the oldest son of Emilio Reyna. Sadly my father passed away yesterday November 7, 2020 due to complications that arose from Agent Orange in Vietnam. I have so many memories of Dad and his music often taking about the good old days, and even playing with Freddy Fender.
Thank you for keeping the Staffs memory alive. I grew up with amazing music and also play the drums because of Dad.
Mike Reyna
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