Steve Salas

Among the many accomplishments that Steve Salas has achieved, performing as lead singer of the popular Latin Rock group “TIERRA” at the famed New York Carnegie Hall is but one.

Steve Salas was born and raised in Lincoln Heights, a humble and modest working class community in the northeast section of Los Angeles, California. At a very young age, Steve knew his calling… He took center stage at family functions singing Rancheras (old Mexican ballads) to the delight of friends and family…

Along with an older sibling, Steve honed his vocal skills and began playing with R&B bands throughout his teenage years. By the time he was in high school, Steve had recorded a string of regional hit singles with groups such as The Jaguars, and with his brother Rudy as The Salas Brothers. In between performances and recordings, Steve juggled his studies and his position as Student Body President of Lincoln High School in Los Angeles—no easy feat.

After graduating from Lincoln High School, Steve took a brief hiatus from performing to enter Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. He was awarded a full Board of Trustees scholarship at the prestigious university.

During the turbulent 70’s, Steve returned to Los Angeles, reunited with his brother Rudy, and formed what was to become the first major group from the Eastside to gain national recognition: the group known as “TIERRA”. With Steve as its lead vocalist and charismatic showman, “TIERRA” jelled and was soon performing up and down the West Coast, setting the group’s chemistry in motion. A couple of albums and minor labels garnered “TIERRA” soft recognition from radio programmers; then came the first big break. Auspiciously, two media icons were to play a major part in the group’s success: LIFE Magazine and Humphrey Bogart.

The meteoric rise: Salas and the group grace the pages of LIFE Magazine as part of a photo essay project centering on the Los Angeles “lowrider” car phenomenon. LIFE then grants “TIERRA” a picture for their album cover. Shortly thereafter, Neil – the flamboyant nephew of the late Humphrey Bogart – scans a music industry newsletter, the “Friday Morning Quarterback,” and signs the group unseen to a contract on his new record label, BOARDWALK.

“TOGETHER,” a rendition of The Intruders’ soul song becomes an overnight chart buster…! “TIERRA”, with Steve as lead singer, finally hit pay dirt. Steve’s television appearances include American Bandstand, The American Music Awards, Solid Gold, Soul Train, Entertainment Tonight, and a slew of other television shows.

Rumor has it that when Steve performed in Las Vegas at the Lounge, Frank Sinatra caught the show, enjoyed Steve’s performance, and visited with him at length.

In his new CD, “Directions,” Steve Salas displays his creativity and versatility. He plays all the instruments and orchestrates all musical arrangements.

Steve Salas – his voice will carry you through the past, present and future…!