Latin American Music in the United States

Introduction

• Latin American music has significantly influenced popular music in the US, impacting jazz, rhythm and blues, and country music.
• Unique US styles such as salsa, New Mexico music, Tejano, and Western music have emerged.
• Fusion genres like Chicano rock, Nuyorican rap, and Chicano rap stem from US Latin communities.

Economic Impact

• Latin American music is a major driver of economic growth, with a 24% increase in revenue in 2021.
• It represents about 7% of the total US market share.

Definition and Influence

• Includes music from Spanish, Portuguese, and sometimes French-speaking regions.
• The US industry defines Latin music as works with predominantly Spanish lyrics.

Historical Influence

• Early 20th century: "Spanish tinge" in US music, seen in jazz and rhythm blues.
• 1930s: Argentine tango gains worldwide popularity.
• 1940s: Wartime interest and "Good Neighbor Policy" promote Latin music.
• Artists like Xavier Cugat and Tito Puente increased genre's popularity.
• Influenced big bands and dance halls; Latin orchestras popular.

Mid-20th Century Developments

• Influenced rock & roll, with Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba."
• 1950s: Afro-Cuban jazz by Dizzy Gillespie introduces Latin elements.
• Latin music played a significant role in dance and pop music.

Notable Artists and Contributions

• Eydie Gormé had hits on pop and Latin charts.
• Carmen Miranda and Desi Arnaz popular among diverse audiences.
• 1960s: Trini Lopez influenced folk-rock and opened doors for Latin artists.

1980s Crossover Acts

• Billboard introduced Latin music charts.
• Jose Feliciano, Gloria Estefan, and Menudo marked crossover success.
• Gloria Estefan's "Miami Sound Machine" achieved mainstream hits.

1990s Latin Explosion

• Selena achieved crossover success with "Dreaming of You."
• Ricky Martin, Shakira, Marc Anthony, and Enrique Iglesias rose to prominence.
• Latin pop gained significant mainstream popularity.

2000s Latin Pop Boom

• Shakira's "Laundry Service" marked her English crossover.
• Jennifer Lopez's "On the 6" featured successful English and Latin tracks.
• Collaboration with English artists increased.

2010s Continued Success

• Latin music became a dominant genre in the US.
• Artists like Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's "Despacito" broke records.
• Emerging genres like Latin trap with stars such as Bad Bunny.

Awards and Recognition

• Latin Grammy Awards and Billboard Latin Music Awards recognize contributions.
• Latin pop and reggaeton continue to be influential.

Conclusion

• Latin American music remains a powerful cultural and economic force in the US.
• It continues to evolve, influencing and being influenced by global music trends.