Cruisin’ The Barrio Series: WAR – A Musical Journey Through Chicano Culture and Brotherhood

This Week’s Cruisin’ The Barrio Series: Celebrating WAR

Welcome to this week’s edition of Cruisin’ The Barrio series, where we delve into the vibrant tapestry of Chicano culture and music. Today, we celebrate the legendary band WAR, whose impact on music transcends time and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

WAR, originally formed in 1969 in Long Beach, California, is a musical ensemble known for its unique blend of funk, rock, jazz, Latin, and R&B sounds. The band’s lineup has evolved over the years, but its core members have included the talented Lonnie Jordan, Howard E. Scott, Harold Brown, B.B. Dickerson, Charles Miller, Lee Oskar, and Papa Dee Allen.

One of WAR’s defining features is its socially conscious lyrics, which often explore themes of peace, love, and unity, as well as addressing issues such as poverty, racism, and urban life. The band’s music is a reflection of the diverse cultural influences that have shaped their sound, drawing from their experiences growing up in the multicultural melting pot of Southern California.

In 2009, I had the distinct pleasure of experiencing WAR’s performance at Arts Beats and Eats, a moment that left an indelible mark on my musical journey. Joined by my friend Jose Prado, we ventured to the festival, where WAR stood out as one of the headline acts, promising an unforgettable experience. As we arrived at the venue, the sight of the tour bus triggered a wave of nostalgia—its driver, Randy, was none other than Insane Clown Posse’s former bus driver from Canada, whom we fondly referred to by his first name. Randy, having been our bus driver for two years, was now part of a new chapter as we embarked on a musical adventure with WAR.

Upon seeing me, Randy greeted me with a warm hug, expressing his excitement to introduce me to the band. Overjoyed, I turned to Jose and jokingly asked, “Are you ready to go have some wine with WAR?” Little did we know, this light-hearted jest would lead to an unforgettable experience. Soon, the two vatos from Southwest Detroit found themselves on the bus with Lonnie Jordan, one of the founding members of WAR. Lonnie wasted no time in offering us wine and food, despite neither Jose nor myself being wine drinkers.

Yet, when Lonnie Jordan of the Great WAR offers you a glass of wine, you accept it with a smile on your face. As we settled in, I found myself engaged in conversations with the band, eager to learn more about some of their old songs that are rarely performed these days. Lonnie Jordan shared a poignant insight, remarking, “You know what, homie, these people only want to hear the hits.” This sentiment resonated with me, highlighting the challenges faced by artists striving to evolve in their craft while catering to audience expectations. Sitting across from Lonnie Jordan, the man behind some of my favorite songs of all time—including “Cisco Kid,” “Summer,” “Me and Baby Brother,” and “The World Is A Ghetto”—I couldn’t help but reflect on the impact of music and the people who create it. Lonnie Jordan of WAR exemplified true brotherhood and hospitality, an experience that will forever remain etched in my memory. As I look back on this encounter and the many others in my life, I am reminded of the profound connections forged through music. Lonnie Jordan and WAR’s legacy continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide, a testament to the timeless power of music and camaraderie.

As we conclude this week’s journey through the music and memories of WAR, we’re reminded of the band’s timeless impact and their ability to transcend generations with their powerful music. WAR’s legacy of unity, social consciousness, and musical innovation continues to inspire listeners around the world. As we reflect on our personal experiences with the band, we’re reminded of the universal language of music that brings us all together. Join us next week for another installment of Cruisin’ The Barrio Series, where we’ll continue to celebrate the rich tapestry of Chicano culture and music. And don’t forget to tune in to Cruisin’ The Barrio radio show every Saturday night at 10pm on CRBradio.com, where we’ll keep the music alive and the stories flowing.

Article by Rudy Hill