When I travelled through Central America in 2006, Ricardo Arjona had just released his Grammy award winning album, Adentro and it must have been the most popular album of the year because I heard songs from that album everywhere -- and I mean everywhere!

The Guatemalan-born singer/composer has received numerous critical awards and accolades but the most important one is his popularity with Spanish-speaking music lovers the world over.

Now you can hear Ricardo Arjona in person as he embarks on a two month North American tour. There are lots of venues available so the odds are that he will be performing somewhere near you.

* Photo courtesy Getty Images

Nelly Furtado's upcoming album, Mi Plan is going to be an all Spanish language release. Furtado, who is of Portuguese descent, says that the new collection of pop songs explore themes of love and the rhythm of everyday life.

Mi Plan is set for release on Sept. 29, 2009 but in the meantime, here's the lead single from the forthcoming album. "Manos Al Aire" is a song about a woman's outpouring of vulnerability for the sake of true love.

Listen to "Manos Al Aire"

By the way, the Latin Music Theatre has just been updated with new songs and videos from Jason Mraz & Ximena Sarinana, Vicente Fernandez, Los Tigres del Norte and, of course, Shakira's "Loba.' Come on in and hear some of the songs that will be filling the airwaves this summer and fall.

The first week in July is usually really slow in terms of new music releases but this week starts out with a bang. There's a new album from ranchera king Vicente Fernandez and some cool Brazilian tunes from the popular Ceu. There are also three salsa albums that are worth a second look as well as Colombian dance music from Bomba Estereo.

Los Amigos Invisibles' Commercial is heating up the charts; you can get a free download of their single, "Vivire Para Ti," this week only from iTunes Latino.

* Album cover courtesy Mopiato Music

Michael Jackson's music transcended cultural and political boundaries so that, while 20,000 people attended Jackson's public memorial service at The Los Angeles Staples Center yesterday, millions of fans the world over held their own vigils in churches, arenas and in the streets.

Musician's have their own manner of paying tribute to one of their own: with music.

"Esa Chica" is a Spanish-language salsa version of Jackson's "Billie Jean." Translated and orchestrated by L.A. salsa favorite Chino Espinoza and Orquesta Tobaco y Ron's band leader Hector Manuel Rivera, "Esa Chica" is available for download for a limited time.

There are many languages that will be used as fans say good-bye to the 'King of Pop.' Music is one of the best of them.

Listen /Download "Esa Chica"

* Art courtesy Dimelo! Records