Timeline

Born Rosalie Méndez Hamlin

Born in Klamath Falls, Oregon to Harry Hamlin (Anglo-American) and Ofelia Juana Méndez (Mexican).

Early childhood in Alaska

Lives in Anchorage, Alaska. Attends Denali Elementary School. Memories of swimming, ice skating, mountain climbing.

Family moves to California

Settles in National City, CA. Attends Ira Harbison Elementary, then Granger and O’Farrell Junior Highs, Sweetwater High, and Mission Bay High.

First public performances at age 13

Auditions by phone for a country-western band singing “Dark Moon,” telling them she’s 16. Performs at the Bostonia Ballroom outside San Diego, earning $20–$30 a night in tips.

Writes “Angel Baby” as a poem

Writes a poem for her boyfriend Robert Foster, then sets it to a four-chord progression on her family’s upright piano, inspired by The Penguins’ “Earth Angel” and using the chords from “Heart and Soul.”

Forms Rosie and the Originals

Aunt Socorro teaches Rosie chord progressions. Uncle Albert’s girlfriend Gloria Moore introduces her to David Ponci, Noah Tafolla, Tony Gomez, Carl Von Goodat, and Alfred Barrett.

Mother buys an upright piano

Rosie’s mother purchases an old upright piano for the family home in National City. Aunt Socorro teaches Rosie four-chord progressions in honky tonk, boogie, and blues styles — the piano on which “Angel Baby” will be composed.

Records “Angel Baby” in San Marcos

Drives 30 miles north to an airplane hangar studio owned by Robert Kittinger on the defunct San Marcos Valley Airfield. Records in 30+ takes on a two-track machine. Sax player Alfred Barrett misses the session (mowing the yard). B-side “Give Me Love” recorded by friend Bluford D. Wade.

Kresge’s department store and Del Webb’s Highway House

Unable to land a record deal, the group takes their 45 to Kresge’s in downtown San Diego. A distributor for Highland Records happens to be in the store and gives them his card. They meet that night at Del Webb’s Highway House and hand over the master tape without a contract.

“Angel Baby” released, breaks on KDAY

Released on Highland Records (Highland 1011). DJ Alan Freed plays it 6–10 times a day on KDAY Los Angeles. David Ponci is listed as the songwriter on the contract — a mistake that takes decades to correct.

First chart appearance

Debuts on KRLA 1110 Los Angeles Survey.

Enters Billboard Hot 100

“Angel Baby” enters the Billboard Hot 100.

Alan Freed Christmas Jubilee

Appears at Alan Freed’s holiday show with Jackie Wilson, Johnny Otis & Band, Carlos Bros., H.B. Barnum, The Olympics, The Penguins, and Don & Dewey.

The Wink Martindale Show, Pacific Ocean Park

Rosie makes her very first television appearance on Wink Martindale’s teen dance show, broadcast from Pacific Ocean Park, Santa Monica.

“Angel Baby” peaks at #5 Billboard Hot 100

Edges out Lawrence Welk’s “Calcutta.” Also #5 on the R&B charts. Stays 12–13 weeks on the Hot 100. Reaches #3 in Canada (Zirkon Records).

American Bandstand

Performs “Lonely Blue Nights” on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand (ABC), episode AB-965. First Latina ever to appear on the show.

Brooklyn Paramount Theatre

Six shows a day with Jackie Wilson over a 10-day Easter run; also Carla Thomas, Ben E. King, The Marcels, Maxine Brown, The O’Jays, The Del Vikings, The Coasters, Jimmy Clanton, Bobby Vee, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Freddy Cannon, Chubby Checker, and Bobby Rydell.

Marries Noah Tafolla in San Diego County

Rosie (16) marries Noah A. Tafolla (18), the band’s lead guitarist. The marriage produces son Joseph “Joey” Tafolla, later an acclaimed shred guitarist with Jag Panzer, and daughter Deborah “Debbie” Tafolla (b. 1964).

Recovers copyright to “Angel Baby”

Wins back the composer’s rights from Highland Records. Royalty battles continue for decades.

Additional Highland singles

Highland Records releases two follow-up singles: “Why Did You Leave Me?” / “Angel from Above,” and “Lonely Blue Nights” / “We’ll Have a Chance” (Highland 1025).

Signs with Brunswick Records

At Jackie Wilson’s invitation, signs with Brunswick. Records the LP Lonely Blue Nights with Rosie with the Dick Jacobs Orchestra in New York.

Lonely Blue Nights released

Brunswick LP released. Singles include “My Darling Forever” / “The Time Is Near” (Brunswick 55213) and “My One and Only Love” / “Kinda Makes You Wonder” (Globe 401).

“Angel Baby” passes 4 million copies sold

By the mid-1960s, Rosie estimates that “Angel Baby” has sold more than 4 million copies worldwide.

Headlines Rolling Stones bill at Balboa Park Bowl

The Rolling Stones’ first San Diego show. Rosie and the Originals headline. Promoter Danny Millsap pays Rosie’s band $500, the Stones $400. Also on the bill: Joel Scott Hill and the Invaders, The Misfits.

John Lennon praises “Give Me Love” in Rolling Stone

In a Rolling Stone interview with Jonathan Cott (published Nov. 23, 1968), Lennon singles out the B-side: “‘Give Me Love’ by Rosie and the Originals. An amazing record. It’s one of the greatest strange records — they knocked off the B side in ten minutes. I talk Yoko’s leg off telling her this is it, this is what it’s all about.”

John Lennon names her a favorite

In a Life magazine interview, Lennon cites Rosie Hamlin as one of his favorite singers.

Returns to record singles

Sessions with producer Doug Salma (unreleased until 1999 Ace compilation).

John Lennon birthday tape

A loose group version of “Angel Baby” is taped at Lennon’s 31st birthday party (later circulated).

“You’re No Good” single

Releases “You’re No Good” / “I Don’t Understand” (Wax World 3265).

John Lennon records “Angel Baby”

Lennon records his cover during the Rock ’n’ Roll sessions with Phil Spector, Dr. John, Leon Russell, Steve Cropper, Jesse Ed Davis, José Feliciano, Jim Keltner, Hal Blaine, and Jim Gordon. His spoken intro: “This here is one of my all-time favorite songs. Send my love to Rosie, wherever she may be.”

Led Zeppelin tribute

Houses of the Holy liner notes (under “D’yer Mak’er”): “Whatever happened to Rosie and the Originals?”

Barrio Station, San Diego

Twenty-two years of donated fundraisers — junkyard removal in Barrio Logan, sidewalk improvements, and donated performances at César E. Chávez Parades.

Art teacher in Colorado

Lives in Colorado and works as an art teacher.

Gregg’s Blue Dot, Los Angeles

Rare 1982 live performance of “Angel Baby” filmed on the stairs of Gregg’s Blue Dot.

Founds Rosie’s Original Talent & Booking Agency

Obtains her talent agent and booking license.

Lennon’s cover finally released

John Lennon’s 1973 “Angel Baby” is included on the posthumous album Menlove Ave.

Potato Festival, San Jacinto, California

Musical performance at the San Jacinto Potato Festival.

Ritchie Valens Walk of Fame fundraiser

Headlines the Hollywood fundraiser to win Ritchie Valens his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

David Hinckley, NY Daily News feature

“Rosie Hamlin: Yessir, That’s Lennon’s “Baby” — major retrospective on the Lennon cover.

L.A. County Beans & Rice Festival Appreciation Award

Presented at the annual Johnny Otis Family Music Festival, Los Angeles.

Professional Entertainment Award

Awarded at the Beans & Rice Festival concert with Johnny Otis.

Cinco de Mayo Concert — Wilmington & Downey

Performs at the Cinco de Mayo concert in Wilmington and Downey, California, headlining the Pharaohs Car Club’s first car-cruise concert to provide Christmas toys for underprivileged children.

Greek Theatre, Los Angeles

Performs at the Greek Theatre with Chuck Berry, Bobby “Boris” Pickett, The Penguins, The Skyliners, Freddy Cannon, The Crystals, Jimmy Jones, Mel Carter, Len Berry, J.J. Jackson.

Harmony Cruise Night, Johnny’s Broiler

Headlines the Harmony Cruise Night Concert at Johnny’s Broiler in South Bay, Los Angeles — an event unifying car-club communities and promoting social awareness.

Master recordings recovered

Financial settlement returns all Highland masters to Rosie.

Inducted: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rosie and the Originals are featured in the One-Hit Wonders exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio — the first Latina artist so honored.

Greek Theatre, Los Angeles (returns)

Returns to the Greek for K-EARTH 101’s Legends of Rock and Roll show.

35 Year Achievement Award

Awarded by Barrio Station, San Diego, for “Angel Baby” withstanding a discriminatory industry.

TCI Cablevision — Marty’s Corner

Third anniversary show; appreciation for community service award.

USPS Postal Cancellation Stamp

Official U.S. Postal Service pictorial cancellation stamp “Rosie And The Originals — Angel Baby” issued at the West Covina, California post office. Only the second such honor in West Covina history.

Steppin’ Out in Style

Released on Legend Records. Includes new “Angel Baby,” “La Bamba” (with Ernie Valens, brother of Ritchie), “Gallery of Dreams,” and the first Spanglish version.

Linda Ronstadt covers “Angel Baby”

Recorded for her lullaby album Dedicated to the One I Love. Ronstadt credits Rosie with “cracking the tortilla ceiling.”

MEChA of Fresno appreciation

Certificate of appreciation for donation of concert and time at Summerfest ’97 and Car Show Concert ’97.

U.S. Trademark for “Rosie And The Originals”

Rosie applies for and receives the trademark.

Spanglish “Angel Baby” recorded

With encouragement from her manager Eugene Davidson, Pat Woertink, and Mario Cruz, Rosie records the bilingual version that will later define her late career.

Golden Oldies Rock N Roll Show

With The Shirelles, The Monte Carlos, The Champs, The Penguins.

The Alamodome, San Antonio

With Peaches & Herb, Malo, G.Q., Sunny & The Sunliners, Sly Slick & Wicked.

San Manuel Casino — ARCO Arena — San Jose Arena

Three California arena shows in March. With Gap Band, Rose Royce, The Impressions, The Midniters, The Superbs, M.C. Blvd., and others.

The Best of Rosie & the Originals

Ace Records (UK) compilation — all Highland tracks plus Brunswick and previously-unreleased material.

McNichols Arena — Bakersfield — San Diego Sports Arena

September tour leg with Al Wilson, Peaches & Herb, Barbara Lewis, Heatwave, Denice Williams, G.Q., War.

Hilton by the Bay Reunion Concert

San Diego.

National City Proclamation

Proclamation recognizing the 35-year success of “Angel Baby.”

Angel Baby Revisited

Ace Records compilation including the Spanglish “Angel Baby,” unreleased material, and radio plugs for KJOK (Utah/Arizona).

American Soundtrack: Red, White & Rock (PBS)

Performs “Angel Baby” on the PBS-TV special.

Madison Square Garden, New York

Revival concerts. Believed to be among her last major appearances before fibromyalgia forced retirement.

Bowzer’s Doo Wop Party #3 — Mohegan Sun, CT

10,000-seat arena, 7–8,000 attendees. With Vito Picone and the Elegants, David Sommerville (The Diamonds), Gene Chandler, Jay Black and the Americans, Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, Cleve Duncan and The Penguins, The Tymes, Kathy Young. Hosted by Jon “Bowzer” Bauman.

Nevada County Fair, California

Outdoor drive-in concert with The Elgins, The Olympics, Vel Omarr. Brian Lee’s Color Radio interview taped this year (3-part, KVMR-FM Nevada City).

Fibromyalgia AWARE cover story

Becomes the cover artist for the National Fibromyalgia Association’s magazine.

Southern California gallery art show

Rosie’s oil paintings featured in a Southern California gallery.

Pearson Park Amphitheater, Anaheim

Benefit concert in Rosie’s honor.

Website biography published online

Rosie publishes her autobiography, lifetime honors, performances, and volunteer work pages on RosieAndTheOriginals.com.

Rosie passes away

Dies in her sleep at her home in Belén, New Mexico, aged 71. Daughter confirms via the official website. Funeral services private (Noblin Funeral Service).

Rolling Stone obituary

Daniel Kreps writes the major Rolling Stone obituary; KPFK’s Pocho Hour of Power with Lalo Alcaraz airs the first public tribute.

El Pollo Loco “Te Amo” campaign

Spanish-language “Angel Baby” used in the national TV campaign — reportedly the song’s largest single-day audience ever.

Times of San Diego cover story

Dr. Max Branscomb’s long retrospective: “How National City’s Rosie Hamlin, 15, Made “Angel Baby” a Hit, Chicano Anthem.”