In 1962, Chris Montez hit the top 10 and he was on his way. He toured with Clyde McPhatter, Sam Cooke, The Platters and Smokey Robinson. In 1963, while in Liverpool with Tommy Roe, his opening act was a new English group, The Beatles. With 3 years on the road behind him, Chris came home in 1965 to complete his education and join a new label, A&M. Herb Alpert dropped in on one of Chris’ first sessions and suggested that he try a soft ballad sound. Alpert’s instincts were good and hits followed in quick succession.
Long before The Doors and The Beach Boys, there was a musical phenomenon occurring in Los Angeles’ large Hispanic population that would take 30 years to be recognized. In the early ’50s, rhythm and blues performed solely by black musicians took hold with Los Angeles’ Chicano (Americans born of Mexican descent) residents years before it gained popularity with the teens who would credit Elvis Presley with their introduction to rock ‘n roll. In the barrios of East Los Angeles, The Drifters, Clyde McPhatter, Crows and Big Jay McNeely were the music of choice in the ’50s.
While the British and psychedelic rock were invading the U.S., Chris left A&M, signed with CBS International and amassed a string of hits outside the U.S. that has firmly established him as an international recording star. He has recorded songs in English and in Spanish that have become hits in Austria, Germany and Holland.
Today, Chris Montez is just hitting his stride. Born into a bi-cultural city with a rich heritage, he emerges trim and fit, an energetic performer with a history and cultural relevance that is unique.
Superior Music Publishing represents Chris Montez’ publishing for the United States, with a robust catalogue beginning in 1962.