Los Bukis

Founded by singer/songwriter Marc Antonio Solís and guitarist cousin Joel Solís, Los Bukis ruled the Mexican charts for 21 years between 1975 and 1996. Their music wove traditional folk forms such as mariachi, cumbia, norteno, romanticos, and corridos with modern rock and pop production. The title track from Falso Amor, their debut album, sold more than one million copies. Later offerings, such as 1986's Me Volví A Acordar De Ti, placed in the Top Ten on the U.S. Top 200. Even 1995's Por Amor a Mi Pueblo -- the last album before their split -- was certified gold in the United States. In May 2021, Los Bukis reunited and released a re-recording of their 1986 hit "Tú Cárcel." Over the next two years, they toured to sold-out stadiums across the U.S. and Mexico.

The group was formed by singer/songwriter Marco Antonio Solís and his cousin, guitarist Joel Solís. They had previously performed under the name Los Hermanitos Solís. The original foursome included drummer Jorge Dávila and bassist Enrique "Kike" Gonzalez (who left in 1976 and was replaced by Eusebio "El Chivo" Cortez). Their name is translated as "the kids." They cut their debut album, Casas De Carton (later retitled Falso Amor), and its title-track single sold more than a million copies during its first month of release and was certified diamond. After returning from their first tour, they immediately re-entered the studio and released Te Tuve Y Te Perdi in 1977. It went to number two in Mexico.

By 1980, Los Bukis had become a treasured chart act at home but relocated to the U.S. where they began making inroads with an expanded lineup that included keyboardist Roberto Guadarrama and percussionist José Javier Solís. 1982's Yo Te Necesito was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Performance. That year, Pedro Sanchez signed on as Los Bukis' permanent drummer. In addition to selling records, Solis' original songs drew massive attention from critics and musicians, and he began composing for popular artists including Marisela and Laura Flores. Further, 1985's Donde Vas topped the U.S. Regional Mexican Albums chart. After playing sold-out North and South American tours, Los Bukis released Me Volvi a Acordar de Ti in 1986. The album peaked at number six on the Top 200. 1988's Si Me Recuerdas was also nominated for a Grammy and marked the final album to include José Javier Solís, who decided to pursue a solo career. He was replaced by percussionist/alto saxophonist/backing vocalist José Guadarrama.

In 1989, Los Bukis issued Y Para Siempre, 12th studio album. Released in July, it included nine Solís originals (he also produced the album). It netted two singles -- "A Donde Vayas" and "Me Dió Coraje" -- that placed well inside the Top 20, and "Cómo Fuí a Enamorarme de Tí," that topped the Latin Songs chart. The album went to number two and earned Los Bukis four Premios Lo Nuestro awards. That same year, the band issued two compilations that also made the Top Ten: Lo Romántico de Los Bukis and Juntos Otra Vez. The band toured Latin and North America as well as the Caribbean.

Issued in October of 1991, A Través de Tus Ojos netted three Top 20 singles and a Grammy nomination for best Latin Pop album. Once more, touring brought them more radio play, television appearances, and big crowds, particularly in the U.S. 1992's Quiéreme underscored their success. It was certified triple-platinum at home and gold in the U.S. as the hits kept coming. 1993's Inalcanzable, their 15th studio album, appeared in July. It was certified gold in the United States and nominated for Pop Album of the Year at the sixth Lo Nuestro Awards. In 1995, Los Bukis issued their final album. Por Amor a Mi Pueblo was certified gold in the U.S. and nominated for another Nuestro award.

Following its release, Marco Antonio Solís decided on a solo career. He played one more tour before the group disbanded. Solís has achieved near-iconic status as a songwriter and performer so the jump was easy. The rest of the group went on to form the successful Los Mismos, who issued a dozen albums on several major labels, and played sold-out tours of the U.S., Mexico, and South America. The Los Bukis split was amicable and all members agreed to retire the band's name.

After a 25-year hiatus, Los Bukis reunited on May 9, 2021 and released a re-recorded single and video of their 1986 hit "Tú Cárcel." The lineup consisted of Marco Antonio, Joel, and Jose Javier Solís, Roberto Guadarrama, Eusebio Cortez, and Pedro Sanchez. A few weeks later, Jose Guadarrama also rejoined. On June 14, 2021, Los Bukis appeared at a sold-out concert at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California; they were the first musical act ever to sell it out. The group announced a reunion tour titled Una Historia Cantada. Originally scheduled for four dates, popular demand dictated the itinerary be expanded to nine shows. In February 2022, Los Bukis announced a stadium concert tour of the U.S. and Mexico. Their final concert took place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on December 3, 2022. ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi