Carrying the Legacy: My Journey with Hector Gonzalez and the Eastside Sound at Rampart Records.
Introduction
How does music bridge generations and shape communities? For Hector Gonzalez, the late head of Rampart Records and my dear friend, preserving the “West Coast Eastside Sound” was more than a mission; it was a call to give a voice to underrepresented communities through timeless music. It is with a heavy heart that I share the recent passing of Hector, the Emmy Award-winning producer, visionary leader of Rampart Records and Gordo Enterprises., and a mentor who deeply influenced my life and career. Together, we shared a passion for music, culture, and community—working side by side to carry forward the legacy of Rampart Records. Today, I reflect on our contributions to this powerful musical movement and the lasting impact Hector had on me and the world.
A Chance Meeting and a Lifelong Bond
My journey with Hector began in the summer of 2017, when I was managing Mexico 68 Afrobeat Orchestra. I was introduced to Hector by Martin Casillas, Mexico 68’s bandleader, as we released our first EP on Rampart Records. At the time, I knew Hector as the driving force behind Rampart Records, the iconic label that championed minority voices and shaped the “Eastside Sound.” Known for his achievements with Gordo Enterprises and Creative Teamwork Entertainment Inc., Hector’s presence was magnetic, his wisdom profound.
As we got to know each other, Hector’s passion for music and mentorship became clear. He would often join our band rehearsals, bass in hand, blending his talent with his encouragement and insights. Over time, he became an unofficial band member and a trusted guide. Hector’s willingness to share his industry knowledge and contacts mirrored the generosity of his own mentor, Eddie Davis, the founder of Rampart Records. Hector’s influence helped me become a better manager and taught me the importance of supporting underrepresented voices in the music world.
MEXICO 68 AFROBEAT ORCHESTRA
Building on the Eastside Sound Legacy at Rampart Records
Rampart Records, founded by Eddie Davis, was a groundbreaking label that amplified Chicano and Black voices in the 1960s. Known for iconic hits like Farmer John by The Premiers, Land of 1000 Dances by Cannibal and the Headhunters, and Viva Tirado by El Chicano, Rampart Records introduced the “West Coast Eastside Sound” to mainstream America. The label not only broke racial barriers in music but also provided a platform for the unique experiences of young Mexican American and Black musicians from East L.A. and Boyle Heights.
Hector was passionate about honoring this legacy. Alongside his longtime business partner, Emmy-winning director Jimmy Velarde, he began producing The West Coast Eastside Sound: Eddie Davis Story, a documentary series that captures the history of this era through concert footage, interviews, and Eddie Davis’s journey in building Rampart Records. Working with Hector on Rampart projects and witnessing his commitment to preserving the Eastside Sound inspired me to contribute more deeply to this mission of cultural preservation.
Collaborating with Hector: Our Shared Projects and Contributions
My collaboration with Hector extended into numerous creative projects, from promoting new releases to expanding the reach of Rampart Records in the digital age. We worked together on promotional campaigns for musician Freddie Saldone’s albums, Nena Latina and La Verdad, where I handled social media marketing and helped design the Rampart Records website to connect with wider audiences. Through these projects, Hector’s mentorship was ever-present, pushing me to understand the depth of our work and its impact on the community.
One of our most exciting projects was preparing for an upcoming book on Faro Records, a subdivision of Rampart Records. Through our work, I also came to know Hector’s partner, Jimmy Velarde, another pillar in East L.A.’s music scene, whose partnership with Hector further enriched my experience. These collaborations were not just professional accomplishments; they were personal milestones that strengthened our friendship and deepened my understanding of music’s power to bring communities together.
A Legacy of Influence and Community
Hector Gonzalez’s legacy goes beyond his work at Rampart Records. He was a cultural connector, a champion for Chicano and Black representation, and a tireless advocate for preserving the stories of the Eastside. Our work together taught me that the “Eastside Sound” wasn’t just a music genre—it was a movement, a powerful reminder of the resilience and pride of marginalized communities. Hector dedicated his life to amplifying these voices and ensuring that their stories would continue to inspire future generations.
As we remember Hector today, I invite you to explore the music of Rampart Records—a label that gave voice to a generation and continues to be an emblem of cultural pride. Listen to the songs, dive into the history, and let Hector’s vision remind us of the importance of preserving diversity and honoring the sounds that shaped our community.
Conclusion
Hector A. Gonzalez’s contributions to music, culture, and community are profound, and I am grateful for the privilege of working alongside him to carry forward Rampart Records’ legacy. Together, we celebrated the “West Coast Eastside Sound” and honored the voices of the past, bridging history with future generations.
As we celebrate Hector’s memory, let us keep his spirit alive by sharing his work and the stories of the Eastside Sound. Let us remember him through the music of Rampart Records—a tribute to a visionary who showed us the power of community and the unbreakable legacy of Chicano and Black music in Los Angeles.
