Los Panchos

Deeply rooted in the Hispanic tradition of trío romántico, Los Panchos are one of the most influential Latin American music acts of all time. While they’re mostly known for their boleros and romantic ballads, they’ve also tackled a wide array of genres like ranchera, guaracha, and son, among others. Their music also features extensive use of the requinto, a smaller version of the Spanish guitar. Some of their biggest hits include renditions of classic folk songs such as “Perfidia,” “Bésame Mucho,” and “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás.” Formed in New York City in 1944 by José de Jesús “Chucho” Navarro Moreno, Alfredo “El Güero” Bojalil Gil, and Hernando “Herminio” Avilés Negrón, they made their debut with a collection of rancheras titled Mexicantos (1945) and then collaborated with Alfredo Antonini’s Viva America Orchestra on La Palma (1946). In 1951, Avilés left the group and was replaced by a revolving door of vocalists, including Raúl Shaw Moreno, Julio Rodríguez Reyes, and Johnny Albino. Throughout the 60s and 70s, Los Panchos collaborated extensively with American vocalist Eydie Gormé, recording the hit albums Amor (1964), More Amor (1965), Blanca Navidad (1966), and Cuatro Vidas (1970). The group kept recording and performing during the following decades, even after Navarro’s death in 1993. Led by his son “Chucho” Navarro Jr., Los Panchos continued to tour under the name Trio Los Panchos de Chucho Navarro Fundador.