IN 1987, Los Lobos became a global sensation with their rollicking version of the Ritchie Valens classic “La Bamba.” But this East Los Angeles rock quintet is so much more than a hit cover song. Now marking 50 years as a band, Los Lobos are known for a musical stew that draws from rock ’n’ roll and R&B, cumbia and norteño.

Taking a break from shooting a documentary about the band, members Cesar Rosas (guitar/vocals), 69, and Louie Pérez (percussion/guitar/vocals), 70, sat down with AARP to discuss their storied career.

After five decades what keeps you going?
Pérez: The two hours onstage is what you’re doing this for. The other 22 have been hurting for a while, because we’re not kids anymore. At the same time, these are my soul brothers. That’s what keeps it all together.

Los Lobos created a richly layered tapestry of sounds. Was it all planned?
Rosas: We’ve always done whatever we felt like doing, which is really cool. We were always organic, man. If you don’t enjoy it, that’s cool. If you do like it, we thank you for it.

Don’t you think it’s about time you got inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
Rosas: I’d get all uptight if we were, because we’d have to go make a speech. But if it happens, that would be great.

Pérez: We’re not playing it down. If it happens, great. And if it doesn’t, it’s OK. We’re still doing what we do.

Is it still fun to play “La Bamba”?
Rosas: We retired it quite a few years back. But people still love that song, you know. And if you don’t play it, they get disappointed, so we brought it back.

Any unfulfilled musical dreams that you would like to realize?
Pérez: We’re not closing the doors to anything. Right now we just need a nap. —Ernesto Lechner