Story of the First Filipino to Win a Grammy Featured in New Documentary
A new documentary, Along Comes Larry: The Larry Ramos Story, retells the life and legacy of Hilario “Larry” Ramos Jr., the Filipino-American musician widely recognized as the first Asian / Filipino-American to win a Grammy. The film — written, directed and produced by Rick Quan — traces Ramos’s journey from Hawaiʻi to the national stage and highlights his barrier-breaking 1963 Grammy win as a member of The New Christy Minstrels.
From a Childhood in Hawaiʻi to the National Spotlight
Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Ramos was a musical prodigy who began performing at a young age. He joined the folk collective The New Christy Minstrels in 1962 and quickly became a standout presence in the group thanks to his vocal and string-instrument skills.
A Historic Grammy Win
The New Christy Minstrels’ debut album, Presenting the New Christy Minstrels, won the 1963 Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Chorus — an accolade that made Ramos the first person of Asian descent (and the first Filipino-American) to be part of a Grammy-winning act. The award represents an important milestone in recording-industry history and for Asian-American representation in mainstream U.S. music awards.
Beyond the Grammy: A Lasting Musical Legacy
After his time with The New Christy Minstrels, Ramos joined The Association in 1967, contributing lead vocals and guitar on hits such as “Windy” and “Never My Love.” The documentary explores both his early achievements and his sustained career in popular music, showing how his work bridged cultural identity and mainstream success.
Why the Documentary Matters
Along Comes Larry aims to reclaim and spotlight an often-overlooked chapter of American music history — the story of an artist of Filipino descent who succeeded in a predominantly white industry during the early 1960s. Filmmakers and community advocates say the film provides context about representation, race, and the challenges Ramos faced while celebrating his accomplishments.
Screenings and Reception
The documentary has been screened at film festivals and special events — including a noted showing at the Hawaii International Film Festival — receiving attention from local and Filipino-American media that emphasize Ramos’s pioneering role. Audiences and reviewers have praised the film for its archival footage, interviews and thoughtful appraisal of Ramos’s place in music history.
What This Means for Filipino and Asian-American Artists
Ramos’s story is more than a historical footnote: it’s a reminder that artists of Asian and Filipino heritage have contributed to major moments in American culture for decades. The documentary contextualizes Ramos’s achievement and encourages a fresh conversation about recognition, legacy preservation and the importance of inclusive storytelling in music history.
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