Biography

The '80s rock band the Cruzados consisted of members Tito Larriva (lead vocals and guitar), Tony Marsico (bass and vocals), Steven Hufsteter (guitar), and Chalo Quintana (drums), and although they were often picked as "the next big thing" by both their musical peers and music critics, the group would remain together for only a pair of albums. During a brief four-year span, the Cruzados opened shows for the likes of Fleetwood Mac, INXS, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, as well as appearing at Farm Aid (singing "This Land is Your Land," with such renowned artists as Neil Young and Arlo Guthrie). The two albums that the quartet issued for the Arista label, 1985's self-titled debut and 1987's After Dark, received praise from the likes of Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, David Byrne, Brian Setzer, and Billy Joel, but a trip to superstardom wasn't in the cards for the group, as they split before a third album could be assembled. In 2001, a compilation titled Unreleased Early Recordings was issued via the Cruzados' website, including a song ("Rising Sun") that featured Bob Dylan on harmonica. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide