Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.

As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.

The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.

Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.

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Home » Recent News » Los Lobos Recognized as NEA 2021 National Heritage Fellows


Los Lobos Recognized as NEA 2021 National Heritage Fellows

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The recipients of the National Endowment for the Arts 2021 National Heritage Fellowships, the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts, includes California-based musicians Los Lobos of Los Angeles. The lifetime honor awards of $25,000 are given in recognition of both artistic excellence and efforts to sustain cultural traditions for future generations.

Los Lobos, a Chicano band from Los Angeles, has defined the East Los Angeles sonic landscape for nearly a half-century. Formed in 1973 by guitarist/accordionist David Hidalgo of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) and percussionist and lyricist Louie Perez, the group later enlisted guitarist Cesar Rosas, and bassist Conrad Lozano, also of Local 47.

As young, music-loving Mexican-Americans from the barrio, they were a product of their surroundings, applying African-American influences such as the blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and doo-wop as a natural complement to the deep and soulful Mexican and Latin American sounds they had grown up with. It all combined to give birth to their unique sound. The wildly successful soundtrack of “La Bamba” (1985) catapulted Los Lobos into international stardom and earning them a Grammy Award.







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