Little Julian Herrera
Talk to a musician, a record collector, or a fan of East LA music of the 50s and 60s, and before long they'll bring up Little Julian Herrera. He's a mysterious and legendary part of East LA's musical history. He was the first Chicano R&B heartthrob, until one day he just disappeared. Some say he's still alive out there somewhere, and they're looking for him.
Little Julian Herrera at the Calypso Inn,
a photo taken by vibes player Gil Rocha
But that's just the beginning of the mystery of Little Julian. He turned up on the streets of Boyle Heights as a teenager, the facts of his past and childhood largely unknown. Then, throughout his brief career, he kept a big secret. There are so many unanswered questions that it's kept some people curious about him for over 50 years.
Little Julian under arrest
Produced by Alex Schmidt
Banner image: Little Julian Herrera at the Calypso Inn, a photo taken by vibes player Gil Rocha