Los Angeles Negros

Los Ángeles Negros is a Chilean music group renowned for their mix of boleros, pop, and psychedelic rock music. The group was formed in San Carlos, Ñuble Region, in March of 1968. The founding members were musicians Cristián Blasser, Mario Gutiérrez, and bassist Sergio Rojas. Their first vocalist was Germaín de la Fuente. The group was initially an instrumental ensemble influenced by The Beatles. Their direction changed when they invited singer Germaín de la Fuente to join them, introducing a romantic and bolero style to their music. Their international breakthrough came later in 1968 when they signed with the Chilean branch of Odeon, recording their first album, Porque Te Quiero, with the newly joined members Miguel Ángel Concha, Jorge González, and Luis Ortiz. Following the success of this album, the group embarked on an international tour. In 1970, Los Ángeles Negros released their second album, Y Volveré, featuring the eponymous single "Y Volveré," which proved wildly successful in Spanish-speaking countries. Germaín de la Fuente exited the group in 1974 and was replaced by Mexican singer Ismael Montes. Undeterred, Los Ángeles Negros continued touring internationally and releasing acclaimed, influential albums like Bolerísimo (1976), Volverás (1981), Toda una Vida (1996), and Metamorfosis (2003). Mario Gutiérrez, the band's only remaining founding member, served as its leader until his death in 2021 due to COVID-19 complications.