Elvin Bishop & Los Lobos for ‘What The Hell Is Going On’: Video, Photo

On Memorial Day of this year, Elvin Bishop came to a Los Lobos gig at Rancho Nicasio Restaurant & Bar in California. Upon meeting the first time, he sat in and performed his classic composition “What the Hell is Going On.” Says the venue’s owner Bob Brown:

It struck a nerve with all who were there and a month later Elvin and I were in an East LA studio recording that song with the band. Elvin, an original member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band is in both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Blues Hall of Fame. His solo career started in 1968 and he still travels internationally to play his music.

Los Lobos is a preeminent Americana band that has just celebrated their 50th anniversary. These high school friends of Mexican-American heritage have been nominated for 12 Grammy Awards, winning four of them. The combination of these artists is unique in itself and displays a unity we should all be seeking.

After they electrified our packed audience I told Elvin while pouring him a Diet Coke, that we should record this thing. He said, “Yeah, that’s a great band!” Later on, after the show, I sat down and had dinner with Los Lobos. I put it out there and we found ONE day everyone was available, June 27. They are on the road constantly. Most importantly, they were willing to make a statement.

I hired a videographer to document the occasion and it was a great experience. Amazingly, that evening there was an unfortunate Presidential Debate. What’s happened since we finished recording is beyond one’s imagination. But here we are and after the smoke cleared, I believe this message is more relevant than the day we recorded it.