102. Los Lobos

What if your greatest hit was barely a reflection of your body of work? This could be the case for Los Lobos, whose cover of La Bamba was by far their largest hit, but was a poor representation of what this band was really about.

To paint Los Lobos as a band that draws from Latin influences is to really undersell what this group could do. Granted, they could (and recorded) music that was clearly rooted in Mexican influences but they could also create a wide variety of music that drew from American Roots Rock, Country and Blues. Los Lobos was also not afraid to experiment and their forays into Alternative Pop were brilliant. With no Latin American band in the Hall, Los Lobos could very well be the band that fills that void. Should that happen, one of the most underrated and talented bands would be at home.

Should Los Lobos be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 90%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5.8%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 1.5%

No opinion. - 0.4%

No way! - 2.3%

The Bullet Points

Eligible Since: Thursday, 01 January 2004
Country of Origin: U.S.A. (Los Angeles, CA)
Why they will get in: There is no Latin based band in the Hall and they would be a good first choice.
Why they won't get in: They are known primarily for a cover song.
Nominated in: 2016
Essential Albums: How Will the Wolf Survive? (1984)
By the Light of the Moon (1987)
The Neighborhood (1990)
Kiko (1992)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: Will the Wolf Survive? (From How Will the Wolf Survive?, 1984)
Evangeline (From How Will the Wolf Survive?, 1984)
Shakin’ Shakin’ Shakes (From By the Light of the Moon, 1987)
Down on the Riverbed (From The Neighborhood, 1990)
Kiko and the Lavender Moon (From Kiko, 1992)
loslobos