Latin Pop 101: An Introduction to the Genre and Its Most Influential Stars
Latin pop’s vibrancy and evolution show that the genre can bridge cultural gaps and unite people through music.
By bonneville on October 3, 2024
Introduction: Hispanic Heritage Month
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting a few Latin Pop artists and examining their contributions to pop culture.
Hispanic Heritage Month was designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 after Hispanic Heritage Week was commended annually for two decades. The celebration is seen as a way to celebrate the cultural contributions of Hispanic people in the US and runs from September 15 – October 15.
What is Latin pop?
Latin pop music is a loose term for music that combines elements of Latin music with American pop music. It can encompass any Spanish-language pop music, regardless of whether the artist comes from Latin America or another Spanish-speaking country. It has also come to encompass Portuguese music, as Brazilian and European artists have emerged globally.
Influential Latin pop artists
Early pioneers of Latin pop include Sergio Mendez, Selena, and Ricky Martin, to name a few. Their music, vastly different in sound and influence, propelled them to a global stage, demonstrating the genre’s significance and popularity.
Sérgio Santos Mendez was a Brazilian musician who passed away on September 5, 2024. His work combined elements of bossa nova and funk, and he remarkably released 35 albums over the course of his career.
Selena Quintanilla Pérez is a Mexican-American singer who was born in Mexico and died tragically in 1995. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest Latino artists ever, often called the “Queen of Tejano Music.” Tejano music is a Tex-Mex style that combines elements of European folk music with Mexican Norteño and Conjunto elements.
Later in the ’90s, artists like Ricky Martin, Shakira, and Gloria Estefan rose in popularity.
Gloria Estefan’s career started in the ’80s with a series of dance-pop hits and later evolved to her signature style with contemporary ballads.
Ricky Martin is a Puerto Rican singer who started in the boy band Menudo before breaking out as a solo artist with his hit “Livin’ La Vida Loca” in 1999. His work paved the way for other Latin American artists like Enrique Iglesias and Shakira to the mainstream.
Shakira was born in Colombia and is a popular singer, songwriter, and dancer. Her style combines elements of music from all over the globe, including Middle Eastern music, and she is celebrated for her powerful performances and empowering lyrics.
Latin pop music today
Today, urbano music, musica Mexicana, and other trends in Latin music showcase the creativity and ingenuity of musicians around the globe. Urbano music is an umbrella term that includes dancehall, dembow, urban champeta, funk carioca, Latin hip hop, and reggaeton.
Today, some of the most influential Latin pop artists include Bad Bunny, Karol G, Peso Pluma, and J Balvin. With catchy tunes, they not only dominate charts and streaming but also prove that Latin pop has global appeal.
Conclusion
Latin pop’s vibrancy and evolution show that the genre can bridge cultural gaps and unite people through music. Listening to some of these artists, whether you speak Spanish or not, can be inspiring and uplifting as you celebrate the cultural heritage of artists from outside your country. It’s a dynamic and diverse genre that celebrates connection and inclusivity.
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