Original Latin Music: The Best of the Genre

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

A comprehensive guide to the best original Latin music, from the classics to the contemporary.

Introduction to Latin Music

Latin music is a term used to describe various genres of music from Latin America. This includes a wide variety of styles, such as salsa, merengue, tango, and others. Latin music is very popular all over the world, and is often categorized by country of origin. In this article, we will focus on the best of Latin music, and what makes it so special.

What is Latin music?

Latin music is a genre that covers a wide range of styles, including salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia and many others. While the music is often based on traditional Spanish and African rhythms, it also incorporates elements of rock, jazz and pop.

Latin music is popular all over the world, and has been for many years. In the United States, it has been a part of the musical landscape since the early 20th century. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s and 1960s that Latin music began to gain mainstream popularity.

Today, there are many Latin artists who are household names, including Gloria Estefan, Shakira, Ricky Martin and Julio Iglesias. These artists have helped to bring Latin music to a wider audience and make it one of the most popular genres in the world.

The history of Latin music

Latin music is a genre that is rooted in the music of Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, as well as the United States. The style is characterized by intricate rhythms, soulful vocal melodies, and infectious grooves.

Latin music has its origins in the music of Spain and the Americas. The first Latin American country to develop a distinctive musical style was Cuba, which became known for its Afro-Cuban rhythms in the 19th century. Other countries followed suit, including Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.

In the United States, Latin music began to gain popularity in the mainstream in the 1950s and 1960s, thanks to artists like Desi Arnaz and Santana. In the 1980s and 1990s, Latin music experienced a renewed surge in popularity, led by artists such as Selena and Ricky Martin.

Today, Latin music is more popular than ever before, with artists like Shakira, J Balvin, and Bad Bunny topping charts around the world.

The Best of Latin Music

Latin music has its origins in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries. The music is a mix of African, European, and indigenous influences. It has a rich history and has been influential in other genres of music. Latin music is enjoyed by people all over the world

The best Latin albums of all time

When it comes to Latin music, there are a lot of different styles and genres to choose from. Whether you’re a fan of salsa, merengue, bachata, or any other type of Latin music, there’s sure to be an album on this list that you’ll love. From classics by Celia Cruz and Tito Puente to modern hits by Ozuna and Bad Bunny, these are the best Latin albums of all time.

The best Latin songs of all time

In a genre that’s often filled with party anthems and summertime hits, some of the best Latin songs of all time are the ones that deal with more serious topics, like love, heartbreak, and social issues. Here are ten of the most moving tracks in Latin music history.

“Amor Prohibido” by Selena
Widely considered one of the best Latin singers of all time, Selena Quintanilla was tragically gunned down at the age of 23. “Amor Prohibido” (“Forbidden Love”), which was released posthumously, is a sultry ballad about a forbidden love affair between two people who are unable to be together.

“Hasta Que Te Conocí” by Juan Gabriel
Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel wrote this mariachi classic about the moment he fell in love with his wife. The song has been covered by numerous artists, but Gabriel’s original version is still the definitive take on the tune.

“La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens
This traditional Mexican folk song was popularized by Ritchie Valens in 1958. Valens’ version reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of the first Spanish-language songs to find mainstream success in the United States.

“La Guantanamera” by Celia Cruz
One of Cuba’s most iconic singers, Celia Cruz recorded this well-known folk song several times throughout her career. The lyrics tell the story of a peasant woman who is forced to leave her home in Guantánamo to go work in the fields.

“Macarena” by Los Del Río
This dance craze took over the world in the 1990s thanks to this infectious tune from Spanish duo Los Del Río. The Macarena became an instant pop culture phenomenon and is still beloved by many two decades later.

“Oye Como Va” by Santana
This 1971 track from Santana’s classic album Abraxas features some of Carlos Santana’s most legendary guitar work. The song is based on a Dominican mambo tune and has been covered by everyone from Tito Puente to Gloria Estefan.

“Qué Bonito Es Lo Bonito” by Natalia Lafourcade & Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho
This 2014 duet between Mexican singer Natalia Lafourcade and late Regional Mexican star Ariel Camacho is a beautiful ode to young love. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Regional Mexican Music Performance/Song at the 2015 ceremony.

The best Latin artists of all time

With a rich history that spans centuries, it’s no wonder Latin music is some of the most popular in the world. From the sultry sounds of the tango to the upbeat rhythms of salsa, Latin music has something for everyone.

And while there are countless great Latin artists out there, some have managed to stand out above the rest. Here are just a few of the best Latin artists of all time:

1. Celia Cruz
2. Gloria Estefan
3. Los Lobos
4. Buena Vista Social Club
5. Santana
6. Shakira
7. Ricky Martin
8. Selena Quintanilla
9. Marc Anthony
10. Calle 13

Conclusion

Latin music has attracted the attention of the international music community for centuries. It has been praised for itscatchy rhythms, beautiful melodies, and passionate lyrics. The best of Latin music is a perfect blend of all these elements.

The future of Latin music

It’s safe to say that Latin music is here to stay. The genre has been steadily gaining popularity in the United States and throughout the world. And, with the rise of streaming services, it’s easier than ever to find and listen to Latin music.

As the popularity of Latin music continues to grow, we can expect to see more crossover success from Latin artists. We can also expect to see the genre continue to evolve and change. After all, Latin music is constantly evolving, as artists experiment with new sounds and styles.

So what does the future hold for Latin music? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure:Latin music is here to stay.

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