Latin Music in the USA: A BBC Guide

If you’re a fan of Latin music, check out this BBC guide to the best Latin music in the USA. From Bachata to Reggaeton, there’s something for everyone.

Introduction

Latin music in the USA is one of the most vibrant and popular genres, enjoyed by millions of people. It encompasses a wide range of styles, from the lively rhythms of salsa and cumbia to the soulful sounds of bolero and ballad.

Despite its diverse origins, Latin music in the USA has a few things in common. Firstly, it is often based on syncopated rhythms, which gives it a distinctive and catchy sound. Secondly, it often features instruments such as guitars, percussion instruments, and horns. Finally, it is often sung in Spanish or Portuguese.

If you want to explore Latin music in the USA, there are plenty of great resources available. Below, we’ve listed some of the best places to start.

What is Latin music?

Latin music is a genre that is used to describe the music of Latin America. It can be anything from the traditional folk music of countries like Mexico and Peru, to the more modern styles of reggaeton and salsa.

Latin music has been popular in the United States for many years, and has had a significant influence on American culture. Some of the most famous Latin musicians include Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, and Gloria Estefan.

There are many different types of Latin music, and each one has its own unique sound. If you’re interested in learning more about this genre, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

One of the most important things to understand about Latin music is that it is very diverse. There are many different countries in Latin America, and each one has its own musical traditions. This means that there is a lot of variety within the genre itself.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Latin music is constantly evolving. new styles and subgenres are constantly being created, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on what’s popular.

If you’re interested in learning more about Latin music, there are a few resources that can help you get started. The BBC website has a section devoted to Latin American music, which includes articles, interviews, and playlists. You can also find a lot of information about Latin music online at websites like AllMusic and Pitchfork

The history of Latin music in the USA

The history of Latin music in the USA is often said to begin with the salsa explosion of the 1970s. But, in fact, Latin music has been a part of the American musical landscape for much longer.

Latin music in the USA can be traced back to the early days of settlement, when Spanish and Portuguese explorers brought their musical traditions with them. In the 19th century, Cuban and Puerto Rican immigrants brought their own styles of music to the US, and these began to have an influence on American popular music. In the early 20th century, Mexican immigrants also arrived in the US, bringing with them a rich tradition of folk music.

All of these different musical traditions came together in New York City in the mid-20th century, creating a vibrant Latin music scene. This is where salsa was born, and it soon became one of the most popular genres of Latin music in the USA.

Today, Latin music is more popular than ever in the USA, with a wide range of artists and styles to choose from. Whether you’re a fan of salsa, bachata, or reggaeton, there’s something for everyone.

The different genres of Latin music

Even though “Latin music” is a single category in the music industry, it actually incorporates a wide range of styles, from traditional folk music to modern pop. This can make it hard to define what “Latin music” really is, but in general, it can be said that Latin music is any music made by Latin American artists or featuring Latin American instruments and rhythms.

There are many different genres of Latin music, each with its own distinct style and history. Some of the most popular genres include salsa, merengue, bachata, bolero, and rumba.

Salsa is a Cuban-derived genre that originated in the 1970s. It is a fast-paced, energetic style of music that often features improvised dance moves. Salsa is popular both in Latin America and among Latino communities in the United States.

Merengue is a Dominican Republic-native genre that is also popular in other parts of Latin America and the Caribbean. It is characterized by its fast tempo and two-step beat. Merengue is often danced as a partner dance, with couples moving around the dance floor in sync with the music.

Bachata originated in the Dominican Republic in the early twentieth century. It is a slower-paced genre than salsa or merengue, and often features romantic lyrics about love and heartbreak. Bachata songs are typically accompanied by guitar strumming or plucking.

Bolero is a genre of Spanish origin that reached its height of popularity in the early twentieth century. Bolero songs are slow and romantic, often featuring lyrics about love or heartache. The Bolero dance originated in Cuba and is typically danced as a slow, sensual partner dance.

Rumba is a Cuban-native genre that combines African rhythms with Spanish melodies and lyrics. Rumba songs are usually slower than other Latin genres such as salsa or merengue, but they often have an infectious energy that makes them perfect for dancing.

The popularity of Latin music in the USA

In recent years, Latin music has become increasingly popular in the USA. According to a report by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Latin music sales in the USA increased by 18% in 2016, while overall music sales declined by 6%.

There are many reasons for the increasing popularity of Latin music in the USA. One is the growing Hispanic population in the country. Hispanics are now the largest ethnic minority group in the USA, and they are increasingly influence the country’s culture and music scene.

Another reason for Latin music’s increasing popularity is the rise of social media and online streaming services such as Spotify and Pandora. These platforms have made it easier for people to discover and listen to new genres of music, including Latin music.

Finally, a number of mainstream artists have begun incorporating elements of Latin music into their own work. For example, Justin Bieber’s hit song “Despacito” (2017) featured guest vocals from Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi, and Bieber later recorded a remix of the song with Cuban-American rapper Pitbull. Similarly, American pop star Shakira regularly incorporates Latin musical styles into her work.

As Latin music continues to grow in popularity, it is likely that we will see even more mainstream artists incorporating its sounds into their own work.

The future of Latin music in the USA

As the popularity of Latin music in the USA continues to grow, it is clear that the future of the genre is bright. While many traditionalists may be hesitant to embrace change, it is important to remember that Latin music has always been a blend of cultures and influences. As the world becomes more connected, it is likely that we will see even more blending of genres and traditions.

One thing that is certain is that Latin music will continue to evolve and change. As new artists emerge and experiment with different styles, we can expect to see some exciting new developments in the years to come. With so much talent and creativity out there, the sky is the limit for Latin music in the USA!