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 ...