In this episode of Bonus Tracks on KXCI Tucson, DJ Headspace shares the emotional story behind “Corrido de Juanito” by Calibre 50. This song depicts the life of a man deported from the United States and the hardships he faces after being separated from everything he knows.
Released in 2017, and re recorded in 2025 by Pepe Aguilar following the ICE raids in Los Angeles. The song became even more significant because all proceeds from the new version were donated and continue to be donated to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) supporting immigrant communities directly impacted by these events.
Headspace also shares a personal connection to the song, remembering how she first heard the song while driving with her mother. This musical moment ignited reflection on family, gratitude, and the heartbreaking reality that today many loving families are not able to stay together.
Transcript:
0:02: Hello everyone, it’s Headspace, and I’m coming straight from KXCI Tucson’s Bonus Tracks today.
0:08: I would like to talk about a song called “Corrido de Juanito” by Calbre 50.
music sample: “Corrido de Juanito” by Calibre 50 from the Album “Guerra De Poder” 2017 Andaluz Music LLC
0:32: The song follows a story of a man who was deported from America.
0:36: As the song progresses, we are exposed to the hardships that Juanito faced each day after the event.
music sample:
1:17: In a sense, the story of Juanito is a gateway to understanding a little bit more about the countless other people who may have a similar story.
1:30: This song was released in 2017.
1:32: After the mass ICE raids in Los Angeles, all of the funds made from this song have and will continue to go to the Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or otherwise known as CHIRLA.
music sample: “Corrido de Juanito” by Calibre 50 from the Album “Guerra De Poder” 2017 Andaluz Music LLC
2:17: Me and my mother found the song while driving across town.
2:21: And from her reaction, I knew that this was something special.
2:26: My family is very central to me, and I have many memories of us all together.
2:31: Although they are now US citizens, there was once a time where they weren’t.
2:36: I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without my family supporting and caring for me.
2:41: I am incredibly grateful to still have my family with me.
music sample: “Corrido de Juanito” by Calibre 50 from the Album “Guerra De Poder” 2017 Andaluz Music LLC
3:19: Unfortunately, others aren’t as lucky.
3:22: My heart goes out to these people in this situation.
3:26: I hope that you all have a wonderful rest of your day.
3:29: This has been Bonus Tracks.
3:31: Headspace, out.
music sample: “Corrido de Juanito” by Calibre 50 from the Album “Guerra De Poder” 2017 Andaluz Music LLC
3:43: This has been Bonus Tracks from KXCI Tucson.
3:45: Thank you for supporting independent media at KXCI.org.
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This program was recorded, edited, and produced by Bridgitte Thum
Special thanks to KXCI’s education team for making it all possible.
