Film Synopsis
Los Lonely Boys, after playing honky tonks and cantinas in their childhood everywhere from Texas all the way to Tennessee, have been able to rock all the way up to the top of America’s music industry, fulfilling the long held dream of their father. “Los Lonely Boys : Cottonfields and Crossroads” provides the story from three San Angelo, Texas Mexican American brothers who have created a unique style, blending the sound of early 1950s-60s San Angelo music with their signature “Texican” style. The emotional and sensitive film narrates a classic rock and roll story from the perspective of Mexican Americans, revealing how identity, culture and family help to shape dreams.
Hector Galan, native San Angelo, Texan and filmmaker combined exciting live performances with intimate personal stories and vivid West Texas imagery in the film. Galan began to work on the documentary in 2003. He captured that moment in time that was magical for the band and where the stars aligned finally in the favor of the boys after struggling for so many years. “Los Lonely Boys : Cottonfields and Crossroads” narrates a very moving and heartfelt account, bringing the incredible musical journey of Los Lonely Boys to life.
Hector Galan said, the first time I was able to see Los Lonely Boys performing “Cottonfields and Crossroads,” one of their great songs, I had an immediate connection to them and knew I needed to tell their story. The Los Lonely Boys to me have a unique sound from West Texas that reminds me of the music that I listened to in San Angelo while growing up. The sound was created by people who have a dual identity of both American and Mexican. I was able, through the group’s musical performances to tell their story with its deep Mexican West Texan roots. It reflects in many ways the Mexican American life experiences in America. The three Garza brothers music gave me a very profound sense of my own identity. I had an understanding of where the influences for their music was coming from. It is music from the working class.
The documentary weaves a cultural and historical perspective on the brothers Ringo, Jojo and Henry Garza. It highlights their musical influences and Mexican American roots. Their family has had working musicians in it for a long time and music is a way of life in their family. Music, like working in the cottonfields, has been a means to survive for the family. The documentary traces the early days of the family band. They cut their teeth through the teachings of their father, who takes them to Mexican cantinas and country bars to play in the San Angelo, Texas area. Traveling to Nashville they endure heartbreak and turmoil. The life experiences, which Galan’s camera has eloquently captured, reveals a compelling family portrait of the three brothers. Against all odds they break from their poverty and achieve an American rock music dream.