Fresno, California's Ray Camacho & the Teardrops were the first recording unit of trumpeter and bandleader Ray Camacho. Formed in 1960 as a nonet, they melded rock, soul, Mexican regional music, cumbias, covers, and originals, making them an in-demand attraction on the live circuit. The original group included the bandleader on trumpet and vocals, arranger Manuel Palafox on keyboards and saxophone, guitarist Mingo Cervantes, and conguero Enrique Mendoza. They began playing high school dances and regional fairs, establishing a reputation for energetic live performances. They played many shows in the East Bay Area (opening for emerging rock and R&B acts such as Santana and Tower of Power) as well as throughout the American Southwest, particularly in Arizona and Texas. Their first single, "Volveras"/"El Pollo de Carlitos" was issued by Copper State in 1968, and was followed by "She's So Good to Me"/"Sunshine Superman" on California Artists a year later. Their self-titled debut album was billed to the International Ray Camacho & the Teardrops and released by California Artists in 1970, followed almost immediately by Ray Camacho & the Teardrops, from McAllen, Texas' Falcon. The nonet's biggest hit was the single "Si Si Puede," recorded in 1970. It became a rallying cry for Latin Americans during the Vietnam War (and has since been used in the Disney film McFarland USA). The group released numerous albums and singles (all independently) and played eight Defense Department USO tours in Europe and Asia -- they actually performed while under fire in Vietnam not once, but twice. They also played prisons, festivals, and high school reunions, as well as rock and R&B concerts. While the group split in 1976, Camacho's aforementioned sidemen remained with him, playing in various groups he led through the end of the 20th century. "Si Si Puede" was re-released with a remixed B-side by Freestyle Records in 2009, followed by the single "Let's Boogie" and the compilation The Best of Ray Camacho & the Teardrops. ~ Thom Jurek