Rosie Flores, the treasured queen of country-rock, or “cow-punk.” She dropped a new album with her group Rosie Flores & The Talisman. Released in late-September, the album was titled Impossible Frontiers.
Her individually-released single “Lines” debuted on August 29. The album consists of 10 completely classic tracks, each exhibiting her charm. My personal favorite, her Everly Brothers cover “So Sad,” conjures the image of a dusty Southern bar through its haunting harmonies and aching sincerity.
Coming from San Antonio but also thriving in Los Angeles and Nashville, Flores has left her cowgirl boot tracks across some of music’s most male-dominated stages. She holds a historic distinction as the first Latina artist to break onto Billboard’s country chart—a feat emblematic of her perseverance and talent.
Despite making music since the ’70s, she continues to receive well-deserved accolades. In 2024, she received the NEA National Heritage Fellows gold medal and accepted it at the Library of Congress. Just last month, she was inducted into the San Diego Musicians’ Hall of Fame.
Flores also continues to receive widespread recognition for her influence and artistry. Not only did she appear at the Kennedy Center and White House, but the city of Austin, TX has an official holiday for her on August 31. She has relentlessly influenced Austin’s deep musical scene, and it only makes sense that she would be rewarded for her contributions.
Flores records under Mule Kick Records, the label co-led by my mother. When she plays shows in Los Angeles, our home often becomes hers as well. It’s always a pleasure to host her; my memories of her staying with us are filled with music, humor, and gift-giving.
Given the opportunity to attend her jazz show at The Baked Potato in Studio City—surprisingly my first time seeing Flores perform—I witnessed her true forte. Her voice flowed seamlessly into whichever genre she took on. Her voice oscillated between fluttery and cheerful to more solemn, velvety, and melodious. She has a timeless talent.
The atmosphere of the jazz club was unlike any other venue I’ve been to. The audience looked like they all already knew each other, like they were all old friends, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they were. The room spun when Flores sang, but her voice kept us on the ground. Plus, the baked potatoes the venue served were great.
In the margins between each song, I could see the relationship between her and her band. Music truly is a language. One look, one nod, and everyone begins to play in perfect synchronicity. Being there, I could almost see the signals and cues stringing from one person to another.
I regret that I had to leave before the second set, which was a rockabilly set—more in her element. However, my parents informed me that it was just as astounding, if not more, and representative of her versatility.
Rosie Flores is a country icon, pioneer, and inspiration for female and Latinx country musicians. She paved the way for many of the women who are now more frequently cracking the charts. Her new album proves her tenacity to her dreams, representing her unwavering spirit.
