A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs PLEDGE WEEK: “La conferencia secreta del Toto’s Bar” by Los Shakers
Jul 22, 2025
Explore the fascinating journey of Los Shakers, a groundbreaking Uruguayan band of the 1960s. Discover how they transitioned from traditional sounds to a Beatles-inspired vibe and navigated the challenges of breaking into the U.S. market. Uncover their fascinating evolution into a unique blend of jazz, samba, and bossa nova while facing commercial pressures. The significance of their album 'La Conferencia Secreta del Toto's Bar' is also unveiled, reflecting on its cultural impact and the band’s quest for a distinct Latin rock identity.
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Fatoroso Family Musical Roots
- The Fatoroso brothers started in a trio with their father playing improvised instruments in Montevideo.
- They played local styles like boleros and tangos with a skiffle-like approach similar to early UK groups.
Beatles' Impact on Fatoroso Brothers
- The Fatoroso brothers discovered The Beatles in 1964 after initially being unimpressed by early singles.
- A Beatles film showing triggered a major conversion, pushing them from jazz to Beatle-influenced rock.
Formation and Early Style of Los Shakers
- Los Shakers formed with the brothers on guitar and keyboards, later joined by bassist and drummer.
- They wrote originals with English lyrics and Beatles-like melodies, despite English not being their first language.