Rockin' down the highway: #5 "Low Rider" War (1974)

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If you live in LA particularly East LA, you know low riders are an integral part of Chicano culture. Low riders are cars done over with lots of shiny chrome and colorful painted designs that are now being labeled as art works on wheels. Wheels are on hydraulic lifts so cars drive illegally low to the ground then pump ‘em up to rise. A favorite trick are bouncing front end low riders. War is a multi-cultural funk band formed in 1969 in Long Beach, California. Brit Eric Burdon of the Animals served as lead singer for awhile notably on the hit “Spill the Wine.” After he exited, War enjoyed a string of hits in the 70s. From the album “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”, the simple lyrics of “Low Rider” are credited to group and producer Jerry Goldstein. Lead vocals are by Charles Miller and distinct bass by B.D, Dickerson. Peaking at Billboard #7, “Low Rider” endures and lives in countless movie, TV and commercial soundtracks. Comedian George Lopez says “Low Rider” is the Chicano national anthem and used it as theme song for his TV shows. The song has been covered by many including Santana, George Clinton and Peter Cetera.