Father's Day Radio Edition

Father's Day is a very special day. It is the day honoring all fathers and is typically celebrated by giving Dad gifts, fixing his favorite foods and other activities that bring family together. For Latino fathers, of Mexican descent, Sunday mornings typically mean tacos de barbacoba, a hot cup of coffee and pan dulce. Today the familia is gathered around Dad catering to his whims in order to please him on his special day. Later that afternoon, Dad will grill carnitas, chicken, sausage and helotes for all the family, including abuelo, abuelita, tios, tias and extended family. Along with food and family, special gatherings are never complete without "la musica." Music to sing to, to dance to and to cry to, as well as bring joy.

This Father's Day Radio Edition includes some unique songs. Some of these songs help convey the feelings and beliefs that Latino fathers hold true. These feelings and beliefs are many times instilled by culture, family and believe it or not, music. For example:

"El Rey" by Vincente Fernandez

Every Hispanic male, especially of Mexican descent, inherits the birth right of being El Rey. Now this birth right is something that the male carries with him throughout life but it is a right that has to be maintain because it can be lost or taken away.

"Reyna De Mi Amor" by Sunny Ozuna and the Sunliners

Every Rey has a Reyna. This Reyna De Mi Amor has to be taken care of because she is the one that can and will take the title of El Rey away.

"La Familia" by Kid Frost

Familia is very important to El Rey. Familia are his royal subjects. These royal subjects are what gives him the title and status of El Rey and they too can take awake the status.

"Low Rider Oldies " by Lowrider Oldies-GQ

Most, if not all, of Los Reyes like their cars. This car may not be a Lowrider but a car that is his pride and joy. The car gets a weekly wash and polish and El Rey is very particular who he lets in the car. This car is also for crusing the boulevard with his tunes.

"All the Young Dudes" by Alejandro Escovedo

Although the lyrics may convey a different messege, this song was chosen because Fathers sometimes feel like they are getting old and they're no longer a "Young Dude."

Wild Cards:

"Land of 1000 Dances" by Cannibal & The Headhunters

Old school song. Cannibal & The Headhunters have a very interesting story. Still a cool song.

"Calling" by Raphael Saadiq

Raphael Saadiq use to be part of thr group Tony!Toni!Toné!. Raphael recently put out an album, "The Way I See It," which is reminiscent of 60's Motown artist and music. It's an excellent blues/soul album and "Calling" caught my interest when Raphael starting singing in Spanish. I liked it so I thought I'd add it to the playlist.

"Papa Was A Rolling Stone" by the Temptations

Not all Dad's are El Rey. Some are absent Dads or part-time Dads. "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" is directed to those Dads.

Hope you enjoy Father's Day and the music especially selected for this special day.

Click on rockyrollradio.com to listen to the Father's Day Radio Edition.

Stay tuned for Rock y Roll Radio's Fourth of July Radio Edition.