Los Lobos emerged as a force in the music scene with their iconic 1987 remake of “La Bamba,” which propelled them to mainstream recognition. Formed in the early 1970s in East Los Angeles, the band consists of David Hidalgo, Steve Berlin, Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano, and Louie Perez. Their sound is a rich tapestry woven from diverse musical influences, including R&B, Spanish and Mexican music, and country. Initially called Los Lobos del Este de Los Angeles, the band's name was shortened to Los Lobos, a nod to the norteño group Los Tigres del Norte, which reflects their roots while embracing a broader musical identity.

Despite releasing several albums in the 1970s and early 1980s, it was the 1984 release of How Will the Wolf Survive? that solidified their fan base and garnered critical acclaim. This album's title, inspired by a National Geographic article, resonated with the band's struggle to achieve commercial success while staying true to their Mexican heritage. Over the years, they followed with albums such as By the Light of the Moon (1987) and La Pistola y El Corazon (1988), the latter of which helped them secure their second Grammy Award.

Los Lobos celebrated their 20th anniversary in 1993 with Just Another Band from East L.A., highlighting their journey through singles, outtakes, and live recordings. They continued to evolve creatively with Kiko (1992), an album praised for its experimental approach, which garnered them widespread acclaim and solid sales. They also ventured into children's music with Music for Papa’s Dream in 1995, demonstrating their versatility.

The late 1990s saw a brief hiatus for Los Lobos as members pursued independent projects, but the band reunited and released This Time in 1999. They maintained a consistent release schedule throughout the 2000s, producing notable albums such as Good Morning Aztlan (2002) and The Town and the City (2006), which marked a return to their rich lyrical storytelling and stylistic complexity.

As Los Lobos entered their fifth decade, they continued to innovate their sound and image. Recent projects include the 2015 album Gates of Gold and the Grammy-winning Native Sons (2021), which features songs by California-based artists and showcases the band's cultural heritage. Celebrating a landmark 50th anniversary in 2023, Los Lobos performed sold-out shows at venues including their alma mater, Garfield High School, reaffirming their deep ties to their roots.

Los Lobos has received numerous accolades and recognition, such as their induction into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. In 2024, they were inducted into the California Hall of Fame, celebrating their enduring impact on music and culture. Today, they continue to perform and record, representing a unique blend of genres that reflects their diverse influences and unyielding dedication to their craft.