The leader of Ray Camacho and the Teardrops, trumpeter, and multi- instrumentalist whose musical diversity is legendary. He was raised in Mendota, Ca. where he worked in the fields until the age of 17. He graduated from Tranquility High School then moved on to Fresno City College where he supported himself by playing music. Formed in 1960, his band melded rock, soul, Mexican regional music, cumbias, covers, and originals. 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. He is best known for the single “Si Si Puede.” Issued in 1970 it became a rallying cry for Latin Americans who resisted the Vietnam War in the early 1970s, and was used in the Disney film, “MacFarland.” During their multi-decade existence, Ray Camacho and The Teardrops recorded 58 LPs/CDs and 75 singles with three gold records, and performed for 1989 Presidential Inauguration of George Bush.