Music of Latin America: The Best Artists
Contents
From the sultry sounds of the tango to the infectious rhythms of salsa, the music of Latin America is as diverse as its people. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best Latin American artists in a variety of genres.
Introduction
Welcome to our guide to the music of Latin America! Here we will explore the rich and diverse musical traditions of this amazing region, from the sultry sounds of the tango to the energetic rhythms of salsa. We’ll also introduce you to some of the most popular and influential Latin American musicians, both past and present. So grab your dancing shoes and let’s get started!
The Best Artists
Latin America has produced some of the best artists in the world. These artists have brought the music of Latin America to the forefront of the music industry. Let’s take a look at some of the best artists from Latin America.
Shakira
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Born and raised in Barranquilla, Shakira began performing in school shows and competitions at the age of four. At the age of eight, she signed a record deal with Sony Music Colombia. Shakira has won multiple Grammy Awards and has sold more than 80 million records worldwide as of 2019. Her success was further solidified with her crossover into the English-speaking market with her fifth studio album, Laundry Service.
Gloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan is a Cuban-American singer who is known for her hits like “Conga” and “Get on Your Feet.” She has won seven Grammy Awards and is one of the best-selling female artists of all time. She has also been active in charities, working to help children and immigrants.
Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin is a Puerto Rican singer, actor, and author who achieved prominence, first as a member of the Latin boy band Menudo, and then as a solo artist with his 1998 album Vuelve. Since the release of Vuelve, Ricky Martin has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide. He is widely considered one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time.
Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ricky Martin began his career at age twelve with the all-boy pop group Menudo. After five years with the group, he released his debut solo album in 1991. He has since released thirteen solo albums, including A Medio Vivir (1995), Ricky Martin (1999), Life (2005), Black & White Tour (2007), Musica + Alma + Sexo (2011), and A Quien Quiera Escuchar (2015). In addition to his musical career, Ricky Martin has also acted in numerous films and television shows. He made his acting debut in the 1984 film General Hospital, and went on to star in such films and shows as The Masked Rider (1995), Alcanzar una estrella II (1996), Más allá de la meta (2007), Glee (2009), American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace (2018), and Matt Groening’s Disenchantment(2018). He has also authored several books, including Me (1998), Sangre de campeón (2001), Vida loca: La autobiografía de Ricky Martin(2010), and Salvador Reyes: Un hombre entre dos mundos(2015).
Selena
Selena was a Mexican-American singer who enjoyed great success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She was born in Texas and her musical career began when she was still a child, singing with her family’s band. Selena’s first album, “Selena,” was released in 1989 and she quickly became one of the most popular Latin artists in the United States. Her crossover appeal led to her being referred to as the “Queen of Tejano music.” Selena’s final album, “Dreaming of You,” was released posthumously after she was murdered by the president of her fan club in 1995.
The Best Songs
There are many great songs that come from Latin America. This list will include some of the best artists and their most popular songs.
“La Bicicleta”
“La Bicicleta” is a song by Colombian artists Shakira and Carlos Vives. It was released on May 27, 2016, as the lead single from Vives’ upcoming album, “Devoción”. The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and has been certified seven times platinum in the country. It also topped the charts in Spain and Chile. The music video for the song, directed by Jaume de la Iguana, features Shakira and Vives riding bicycles through various locations in Colombia.
“Hips Don’t Lie”
“Hips Don’t Lie” is a song by Colombian singer Shakira, featuring Haitian rapper Wyclef Jean. It was released on February 28, 2006, from Shakira’s oral fixation album as the fourth single internationally and the third single from the album in North America.
“Livin’ la Vida Loca”
This pop song was released in 1999 by Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin. The lyrics talk about a man who is out of control and living life in a risky way. The song topped the charts in many countries, including the United States, and is considered one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s.
“Dreaming of You”
“Dreaming of You” is a song co-written and performed by Selena. It was posthumously released as a single by EMI Latin on 13 October 1995, six months after her murder. The song was included on Selena’s fifth studio album, Dreaming of You (1995), which was released on 18 July 1995. It peaked at number twenty-two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the US Billboard Hot Latin Songs, becoming the first and only English-language single to top the latter chart. In Spanish-speaking countries, “Dreaming of You” topped both Guatemala’s Monitor Latino and Peru’s Overall charts. It has appeared in numerous media outlets since its release, including in the films Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead (1991), Rome & Jewel (2006) and Selena & Debby: An American Tale (2018).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the music of Latin America is some of the richest and most diverse in the world. From the sultry rhythms of tango to the infectious energy of salsa, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The best Latin American artists are those who have managed to capture the essence of their cultures and convey it through their music. Whether you’re a fan of classic tango or contemporary salsa, there is an artist out there who can provide you with the perfect soundtrack for your next party or road trip.
