Legendary guitarist, songwriter and three-time No. 1 Billboard charting artist Robert Lee Balderrama has returned with a brand-new smooth jazz single, “Sunset Beach.” Known for his pioneering role in shaping garage rock in the 1960s and for his more recent success in smooth jazz, Balderrama once again proves his remarkable versatility and timeless creativity.
Born and raised in Michigan, “BOBBY” Balderrama discovered the guitar as a teenager and quickly realized it was more than just an instrument — it was a calling. By the early 1960s, he co-founded Question Mark and the Mysterians, a band that would leave an indelible mark on music history. Throughout his career, Bobby has worked as guitarist and backing vocalist with “The King Of Tex-Mex Rock and Roll” Joe “King” Carrasco and Latin music singer Liliana Rokita, founded and led Robert Lee Band (blues) and Robert Lee Revue (smooth jazz), and contributed to numerous recordings as a featured artist.
In an interview with The NYC Daily Post, Balderrama delves into his childhood as a young boy in O’Donnell, Texas, growing up in a musical family of migrant workers; discovering his love for the guitar from his father and brothers; forming his first band at the age of 12; and later co-founding Question Mark and The Mysterians at 15, which led to the historic success of “96 Tears” and a lifelong career spanning garage rock, Tex-Mex, blues, Latin music and smooth jazz.
Q: Your latest single Sunset Beach has such a warm, tropical feel with hints of Latin rhythm. Can you tell me what inspired the mood and sound of this track?
A: Yes, thank you. I have stated the following on my physical single release as well as on all promotional press materials that I have always enjoyed being on or near a beautiful beach during sunset and is really about me reflecting on all my travels with Question Mark and The Mysterians; to those fabulous beaches in Hawaii, California, the South of France and in my home state of Michigan to name a few. The addition of the seagulls and waves for me just sets the ambience. And the thought of a dip in the ocean or lake seems so inviting and refreshing.
To further answer your great question, I have been listening to Carlos Santana’s guitar style of music since I can remember. I enjoy the rhythms and percussion that he offers in his music. And we have a shared Mexican heritage that leads us to deliver Latin music influences in our music. Carlos’ music definitely has that extra something special … a feeling or vibe to it. I always want to capture and then deliver the vivid essence of a song that I have written and/or performed live just like Carlos and others like him. With my latest single, Sunset Beach, I wanted to create a feeling or vibe of actually being on a beautiful beach at sunset. And along with this, just maybe the listener imagined feeling a breeze off the water on their skin, or the breathing in of the aromas of saltwater mist from an ocean while my song was played.
It is that very positive emotional response I seek to always deliver. Music has been a major part of my life since I was a child. I started my first band at age 12, where we wrote and covered instrumental songs in the early mid-1960s like The Ventures. Then at age 15, I started Question Mark and The Mysterians and you could say ‘the rest is history.’
In October 1966, “96 Tears” hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles Chart and literally was the song every artist dreams of having. It went on to become a global smash that continues to be one of the most played songs on classic hit radio today. I am so blessed to have had this success early in my career. It allowed me to play whatever genre of guitar music I desired; rock ‘n’ roll, Tex Mex, Latin music, blues and smooth jazz. I have always had a love for jazz guitar. When I first heard George Benson play Breezing’, I knew instantly I wanted to be involved in smooth jazz. Breezin’ has that beautiful smooth style I have always wanted to create. I believe I have done so with “Sunset Beach”.
Q: Thinking back to your childhood, was there a particular moment or experience that first sparked your love for music?
A: Gosh, this takes me back to my earliest recollections as a little boy growing up in O’Donnell, Texas where I was born. We were migrant workers picking cotton. During our down time my father Fidencio played the guitar, accordion, and harmonica; my brother Fred played the accordion; and my brother Henry played the guitar. I was so attentive because I loved to hear them play live music in our home. It was just so amazing! There was always glorious music in our home, and I can remember times when my father would play live in the migrant camps. It was then that I dreamed and aspired to become a musician. I really wanted to play guitar! I was beyond excited when at nine years old my father gave me my first guitar. I recall vividly that this guitar gifted to me had a crack in it and he said “it still works”!
It was my brother Henry who taught me scales and leads. My musical life changed when I first heard The Ventures. They were a rock band who played instrumentals. I was enamored with their guitar-based music and I enjoyed all of their songs. I knew then that I wanted to be a guitarist and not a singer and credit The Ventures for my decision. We moved to Saginaw where my family were migrant workers picking sugar beets, pickles and tomatoes.
Shortly after the move my family began working at General Motors and we bought a 40-acre farm. This was a turning point in all our lives as we now were able to provide for ourselves and not be beholden to anyone else. It was during this time that I started my first band at 12 years of age. I was all in on pursuing music.
Q: Your creative process has gone through many phases over the years. How does making music today compare to your early days with Question Mark and The Mysterians?
A: The best way I can describe it is that I have always been a musical sponge. Back in the day, my band opened for many of the major artists of the times. I have performed with and have known personally Rick Derringer, Jimmy Page (as opening act for The Yardbirds), Robby Krieger (The Doors), Joe “King” Carrasco, Jim McCarty (Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels and The Rockets) and Joe Kelley (The Shadows of Knight) amongst many others. But each of these individuals inspired me by giving me confidence in my guitar playing and songwriting. They taught me to learn my instrument and hone my craft. I have always enjoyed writing music.
In the 60s, Question Mark and The Mysterians music was written by me and Frank Rodriguez, the keyboardist for the band. Question Mark (Rudy Martinez) didn’t play an instrument but wrote the lyrics and melody for the songs. I considered us a three-musician team. I would initiate a chord progression and Frank, who I felt was the best musician in the band, simply added his magic. Frank and I are still together today as a co-writing team while collaborating with other artists. I do put more time and thought into my music now than I did back in the 60s only because of my experience and knowledge of music gained over the last 60-plus years of writing, performing, and recording.
I must confess I feel truly blessed and grateful to be able to do what I do for so long. I have continually striven to better myself. And I have a never-ending passion, desire and love for my guitar. I am dedicated to developing, excelling at and improving my craft. Sometimes looking back, it can be overwhelming to know that I have been an RIAA Gold Record recipient and that I have been a part of three Billboard No. 1 charting singles. Most recently I was a featured artist and co-writer of the No. 1 Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay charting single “Any Moment” with Le Sonic (for the week of Feb. 19, 2022). I was also a featured artist on the No. 1 Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay charting single “I’ll Be The One” with Le Sonic (for the week of Oct. 15, 2022). This was made even more special when both singles made it into the top 20 of Billboards 2022 year-end Smooth Jazz Airplay Chart (#16 Le Sonic – “Any Moment” featuring Robert Lee Balderrama and #18 Le Sonic – “I’ll Be the One” featuring Lauran Beluzo and Robert Lee Balderrama).
And the song that started it all back in 1966, “96 Tears”. We were definitely overnight sensations. Many have called my band, Question Mark and The Mysterians an historically significant band credited with creating and originating the musical genre ‘GARAGE ROCK/PUNK’ while penning one of music’s most widely recognized songs; a staple of classic radio broadcasts all around the globe to this day. And to know that we were one of the first Latino rock groups to have a major hit always gives me chills. God continues to bless me.
Q: Looking ahead, what excites you most — and which plans do you have for the future?
Hmmm, what excites me the most? Well, I feel truly blessed for the love of my family, my dear friends, my fans and all the amazing opportunities God has provided. I have worked so very hard and long trying to touch people in a positive manner with my music and my craft. It has been my passion from the age of twelve years old and continues to be my passion today. I began with instrumentals on guitar and am continuing to play instrumentals on guitar … albeit smooth jazz instrumentals. I look forward to carrying on however long the good lord permits.
Six decades of passion and purpose
As “Sunset Beach” continues its rise on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay chart, Balderrama’s artistry stands as proof that true musicianship transcends genres and generations. From his pioneering contributions to garage and punk rock to his current achievements in smooth jazz — and everything in between — Bobby is recognized by his peers and fans as a consummate and versatile musician.
Credits, sound and legacy
“Sunset Beach” was released as a digital single July 21 on Bullfrog Records, written, produced and performed by Robert Lee Balderrama alongside longtime collaborators including Frank Rodriguez (keyboard), Paul Wilkinson (Moog Synth), David Paul Britton (trumpet), Takashi Iio (bass guitar), Pete Woodman (drums), Tom Kissel and Larry Hammond (percussion), and Amy Lynn Balderrama (shakers/maracas).
The track was recorded and engineered by Larry Hammond at Larry Hammond Studios, Frankenmuth, Michigan, mixed by Gary Lefkowith and Michael Stewart Rogers at Generic Records, Ridgefield, Conn., and mastered by Mat Leffler-Schulman at Mobtown Studios in Baltimore. Promotion and marketing were handled by Gary Lefkowith and ADD Promotion, with Tracey Milionis and William Kelly Milionis providing marketing, publicity and music consulting through Mighty Achilles LLC. Executive production was by Chad Cunningham for Bullfrog Records and production was shared by Chad Cunningham and Robert Lee Balderrama for AMR / Associated Michigan Recordings.
Songwriting is credited to Robert Lee Balderrama (BMI), published by Robert Lee Balderrama Publishing (BMI), with art direction and graphic design by Robert Lee Balderrama, liner notes by William Kelly Milionis and music and entertainment consulting by Tracey Milionis and William Kelly Milionis for Mighty Achilles LLC.
With “Sunset Beach,” Balderrama invites listeners to a tropical soundscape of serenity and nostalgia. His guitar melodies shimmer over gentle Latin-infused rhythms, evoking the calm of evening waves and golden horizons — a musical reflection of both his travels and his lifelong passion for the guitar.
William Kelly Milionis, Executive Producer at Mighty Achilles LLC, captures this enduring spirit perfectly:
“For nearly 63 years now, Bobby has always had that innate drive to create musically. He has provided significant musical contributions through his artistic integrity and remarkable talent, and his music is brought to life by his passion, desire, love and complete dedication for his craft.”
The single continues to climb the Billboard Smooth Jazz charts, reinforcing Balderrama’s status as one of America’s most enduring and versatile guitarists.
Listen to Robert “Bobby” Lee Balderrama:
Sunset Beach — Spotify | Bandcamp
Question Mark and The Mysterians — 96 Tears
Le Sonic ft. Robert Lee Balderrama — Any Moment | I’ll Be The One
Featured image by Steve Gotts
Edited by James Sutton
