Pocho Joe

Pocho Joe was born on Kalamath Street in Denver (a suburb of Aztlan) during the baby boom-boom-boom generation. He credits his Raza Rocks heart to the influences of his father’s consistent kitchen table radio tunes as well as his tio’s rasquache Sunday afternoon sax.

The Raza beat began to gel Saturday afternoons when Denver’s first Mexican radio station aired “Teen Dance Party” shows in the 1960s. The beat moved from Pocho’s heart to his soul and spirit with the emergence of the Movimiento-fueled “long-haired” Chicano rock groups.

KUVO debuted La Raza Rocks in 2002 with hosts Gil “Gonzo” and Gabe White. Pocho Joe arrived in March 2003 when he co-hosted La Raza Rocks with Gabe.

Pocho Joe recognized that Chicano music, which was largely ignored by commercial radio outlets, was a valuable component of American music. The bands and artists all had culturally inspirational histories and backgrounds that the listening audience deserved to hear. This music which is and was the soundtrack of our lives has and does have historical importance.

The beat ain’t complete ‘til you move your feet! Raza rocks! Simón!

La Raza Rocks airs every Sunday from 1 to 2 pm.