Jesse Valadez, co-founder of The Imperials *

By Kevin Roderick | February 5, 2011 11:13 PM

valadez-caravan-soqui.jpgLowriders from around the West caravanned through East Los Angeles on Saturday in a funeral procession for Jesse Valadez, co-founder 45 years ago of The Imperials car club. His red 1964 Chevy Impala Gypsy Rose — regarded by many lowriders as the most famous ride ever — led the procession on a flatbed truck. Photographer Ted Soqui posted photos at his blog. AP, NBC 4

* From a lowrider history, compliments of @LAHistory: "In the beginning, you needed three things to be an Imperial: a 1957 Chevy, the Imperials placa, and a pompadour haircut."

Photo: Ted Soqui


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