PBS Documentary Latin Music USA

PBS documentary Latin Music USA features the stories of Latin music in the United States. The documentary tells the stories of the people and the music that have shaped Latin music in the United States.

Introduction

Latin Music USA is a 2009 PBS documentary miniseries directed by Jon Alpert and Matt O’Neill. The series chronicles the rise of Latin music in the United States from the early 20th century to the present day.

The series features interviews with some of the biggest names in Latin music, including Gloria Estefan, Pitbull, Mark Anthony, Ricky Martin, and many others. It also features rare archival footage and performance footage of some of the most influential Latin musicians of all time, including Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, and Selena.

Latin Music USA is a must-watch for any fan of Latin music or anyone interested in the history of this important musical genre.

What is Latin Music USA?

Latin Music USA is a 2009 PBS documentary about the rise of Latin music in the United States. The film explores the history of Latin music from its roots in the African and Spanish-speaking cultures of the Americas to its present-day popularity. Latin Music USA features interviews with some of the most influential figures in Latin music, including Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, and Juanes.

The History of Latin Music in the United States

Latin Music USA is a four-hour documentary film series that explores the rich and complex history of Latin music in the United States. The series chronicles the rise of this vibrant music genre from its humble beginnings in the barrios and brothels of the Southwest to its global popularity today.

The series features interviews with some of the biggest names in Latin music, including Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, Carlos Santana, and Selena. It also tells the stories of the people who have helped shape this musical movement, from pioneering recording artists such as Tito Puente and Rita Hayworth to present-day superstars like Shakira and Marc Anthony.

Latin Music USA is more than just a concert film or a history lesson; it is a celebration of a musical style that has had a profound impact on American culture.

The Influence of Latin Music in the United States

From the rumba and salsa of the 1940s to the chicano rock of the 1970s, Latin music has had a profound influence on American popular music. Latin Music USA is a four-part, eight-hour documentary series that explores this rich musical history.

The series traces the development of five different genres of Latin music in the United States: Afro-Cuban, New York salsa, Tejano, Chicano rock, and reggaeton. It features interviews with some of the most influential musicians in each genre, as well as archival footage and performance footage.

Latin Music USA is an important document of 20th century American popular music. It sheds light on the vibrant culture of Latinos in the United States and reveals the significant contributions they have made to American music.

The Documentary

Latin Music USA is a 2010 PBS documentary about the rise of Latin music in the United States. The documentary was directed by John Valadez and produced by Jeff Skoll and Elena Manrique. The film features interviews with many Latin music artists, including Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, and Pitbull.

The Music

In the United States, Latin music is often defined by the Music of Spanish-speaking countries. This includes Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, as well as the Spanish-speaking nations of Central and South America. But as Latin Music USA makes clear, there is no simple or single identity to Latino music in this country. It is as varied and complex as the people who make it.

From the early days of jazz to today’s crossover superstars, Latin Music USA tells the story of the rise of new musical styles that have had a profound and lasting impact on American popular music. Along the way, we meet some of the musicians who created this music and hear their stories in their own words.

The Artists

The Documentary features some of the most influential and iconic Latin music artists of all time. Here is a closer look at some of the artists featured in the film.

Celia Cruz
Considered the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz was a Cuban singer who enjoyed immense popularity both in Cuba and the United States. Her career spanned more than 50 years, during which she won numerous awards and released over 70 albums. Among her best-known songs are “La Vida es un Carnaval” and “Bésame Mucho.”

Gloria Estefan
A seven-time Grammy Award winner, Gloria Estefan is a Cuban-American singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur. She is one of the most successful Latin crossover artists of all time, selling over 100 million records worldwide. Estefan has been referred to as the “Queen of Latin Pop.” Among her hits are “Conga,” “Mi Tierra,” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You.”

Tito Puente
Nicknamed the “King of Mambo,” Tito Puente was a beloved Cuban-American musician and composer. He is credited with popularizing Latin Jazz and helped make mambo a mainstream musical genre. Puente won five Grammy Awards during his career and was posthumously awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1994.

The Legacy

The first episode of the four-part documentary explores the earliest days of Latin music in the United States and how it has evolved over the years. From its humble beginnings in New Orleans and Miami to its explosion onto the mainstream American pop scene, Latin music has had a profound impact on American culture. Featuring interviews with some of the biggest names in Latin music, including Gloria Estefan, Pitbull, and Ricky Martin, this episode traces the genre’s rich history and examines its bright future.

Conclusion

The documentary Latin Music USA concludes with a look at the future of Latin music in the United States.Latin music has become an integral part of American pop culture, and its influence is only likely to grow in the years to come. As more and more people from Latin American countries come to the United States, their music is sure to follow. And as the children of immigrants grow up and begin making their own music, Latin music in the United States is likely to become even more diverse and creative.