The original lineup came together in 1962, composed of Larry Borjas on bass guitar, Borjas's cousin, Robert Balderrama guitar, and Robert Martinez on guitars and bongos. Martinez switched to drums shortly thereafter. The band played instrumental music inspired by surf groups and artists like Link Wray. ? joined shortly thereafter as the lead singer. It is widely believed that ? was born Rudy Martinez, and was the brother of drummer Robert Martinez. These Mexican-American musicians were from the Saginaw area of Michigan with ? coming from Flint. Robert Martinez was drafted into the U.S. military just before the band was scheduled to begin recording and Larry Borjas decided to enlist with him using the buddy system to keep the two friends together. Immediate replacements were needed and both Eddie Serrato (drums) and Frank Lugo (bass guitar) were recruited from Mexican bands, with Bobby Balderrama switching from bass to guitar. Fourteen-year-old Frank Rodriguez was brought in on keyboards and the classic "96 Tears"' lineup was formed.
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The original lineup came together in 1962, composed of Larry Borjas on bass guitar, Borjas's cousin, Robert Balderrama guitar, and Robert Martinez on guitars and bongos. Martinez switched to drums shortly thereafter. The band played instrumental music inspired by surf groups and artists like Link Wray. ? joined shortly thereafter as the lead singer. It is widely believed that ? was born Rudy Martinez, and was the brother of drummer Robert Martinez. These Mexican-American musicians were from the Saginaw area of Michigan with ? coming from Flint. Robert Martinez was drafted into the U.S. military just before the band was scheduled to begin recording and Larry Borjas decided to enlist with him using the buddy system to keep the two friends together. Immediate replacements were needed and both Eddie Serrato (drums) and Frank Lugo (bass guitar) were recruited from Mexican bands, with Bobby Balderrama switching from bass to guitar. Fourteen-year-old Frank Rodriguez was brought in on keyboards and the classic "96 Tears"' lineup was formed.