Latin Artists & Styles
By Carlos Quintana, About.com Guide
Latin Music Overview
Confused about the difference between Cumbia and Cha Cha, Tejano music and Norteno music? Wonder why you like some tunes called Salsa, but not others? After all is said and done, what makes Latin music Latin?
- What is Latin Music?
- Latin Music History
- Latin Music Artist - A Definition
- Essential Latin Music Genres
- Latin Music Legends
- Essential Latin Music Albums
- Latin Music Songs for Beginners
- Latin Music and Society
- Traditional Latin American Music
- Latin Music and Politics
Afro-Cuban Music
From the ballads made famous by the Buena Vista Social Club to the roots of Salsa, Afro-Cuban music has become one of the most beloved genres of music in the world.
Brazilian Music
There is no more joyous celebration than Carnaval in Brazil and Samba is what makes that festival so special. From Samba to Bossa Nova, read about the artists and styles that make Brazilian music beloved the world over.
- Brazilian Music Basics
- Essential Artists
- Bossa Nova History
- Roots of Samba
- Famous Brazilian Songs
- Top Brazilian Female Singers
Merengue / Bachata
The Dominican Republic is the aboriginal home of one of the most popular Latin beats in the world: the merengue. The bachata was the black sheep of Dominican music for years; now the sexy, suggestive style is being embraced and brought back into the musical mainstream.
- Music of the Dominican Republic
- Merengue Basics
- Overview of Bachata
- Essential Merengue Artists
- Top Bachata Artists
- Juan Luis Guerra
Pop / Rock
Latin pop and rock are now some of the best-selling albums in the world. Read about the artists and albums that have made this significant impact on the music world.
- Essential Latin Rock Artists
- Essential Latin Pop Albums
- Introduction to Latin Alternative Music
- Essential Mexican Rock Bands
- Mana - Essential Songs
- Soda Stereo
- Shakira
- Essential Ricky Martin Songs
- Top Songs by Juanes
- Luis Fonsi
- Ricardo Arjona
- Aterciopelados Top 10 Songs
Salsa
Salsa is probably the most popular Latin style in the world. But it didn't exist before the 1960s. Read about its roots and the artists that have made it so popular.
- History of Salsa
- Best Salsa Singers
- Greatest Salsa Songs
- What's Your Salsa Style?
- El Gran Combo - Best Songs
- Hector Lavoe
- Salsa Dura Songs
- Marc Anthony
- Top Songs by Celia Cruz
- La Sonora Poncena
- Grupo Niche - Best Songs
- Joe Cuba
- Romantic Salsa Songs
- Introduction to Latin Boogaloo
Tango
It's difficult to think of tango without thinking of Argentina, but today the tango is known, loved, composed and performed the world over.
Tejano / Norteno / Banda
If you're north or south of the border, Tejano, Norteno and Banda music have a lot in common.
Mariachi / Ranchera
Every visitor to Mexico looks forward to a good mariachi band and ranchera, the music they perform.
Urban Music (Reggaeton, Hip Hop, Fusion)
The world is a global village and indigenous Latin music styles are transformed once they hit the big city.