Essential Latin Music Genres

Latin music encompasses a huge universe of sounds. If you are just venturing into this universe,
the following article will provide you with a brief introduction to the most popular Latin music styles.
From the vibrant beats of Salsa to the never ending innovation of Latin Rock and Alternative music,
the following are today's most influential Latin music genres. If you are already a fan of any of
these styles, you can vote for your favorite genre HERE.

Salsa
Salsa is one of the most popular Latin music genres in the entire world. This vibrant rhythm is the
result of several musical influences, which include traditional beats from Cuba and Puerto Rico and
other styles such as Mambo and Latin Boogaloo. Salsa owes its names to this amazing
combination of sounds. Although the birth place of Salsa has been always an issue of debate, we
can say with confidence that New York City was the spot where the original sound of Salsa was
finally achieved.
Important artists: Celia Cruz, Fania All Stars, Ruben Blades, Hector Lavoe, El Gran Combo de
Puerto Rico, Gilberto Santa Rosa, La Sonora Poncena, Marc Anthony.

Bachata
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Bachata is one of the most popular Latin music genres
today. Although the making of Bachata music started back in the 1960s with the songs produced
by Jose Manuel Calderon, this rhythm was not able to compete with the popularity that Merengue
used to have. That, however, changed in the 1980s when Blas Duran reshaped the sounds of
Bachata with more appealing lyrics and the addition of electric guitar. In the 1990s, Bachata finally
took off thanks to the romanticism that was incorporated into its music. With the arrival of artists
like Hector Acosta, Aventura and Prince Royce, Bachata music has exploded into a mainstream
phenomenon that has captured audiences all over the world.
Important artists: Hector Acosta, Juan Luis Guerra, Aventura, Romeo Santos, Prince Royce.
Regional Mexican Music
Considering everything that is included on it, Regional Mexican music is one of the most generic
terms in Latin music. You can find here all kinds of Popular and Traditional expressions ranging
from Norteno and Banda to Ranchera and Corrido. Regional Mexican music is one of the bestselling genres of Latin music in the US.
Important artists: Vicente Fernandez, Espinoza Paz, Los Tigres del Norte, Gerardo Ortiz, Banda
El Recodo, Jenni Rivera, Selena, La Arrolladora Banda El Limon, Marco Antonio Solis.

Tango
Thanks to its intensity and sensuality, Tango has become one of the favorite Latin music genres in
dance halls all over the world. Originally from Argentina and Uruguay, Tango evolved during the
19th century in the immigrant communities of Buenos Aires. At the beginning of the 20th century,
Tango moved into a mainstream phenomenon thanks to the music produced by Carlos Gardel, the
King of Tango. Later on, a talented bandoneon player named Astor Piazzolla added to Tango
elements from Jazz and Blues creating the so-called Nuevo Tango. Today, Tango remains one of
the most distinctive ingredients of Latin music.
Important artists: Carlos Gardel, Astor Piazzolla, Gotan Project.

Merengue
Merengue is another of the musical gifts that Latin music has received from the Dominican
Republic. A favorite genre to play in any Latin music party, Merengue is one of the most exciting
genres in Latin music. The origins of Merengue can be traced back to the 19th century. Throughout
history, the sounds of Merengue have been modified with the incorporation of different instruments.
In the 1980s, Wilfrido Vargas changed the tempo of the traditional rhythm shaping the sound that
has characterized Merengue ever since. For the past decades, the songs of Juan Luis Guerra
have become a point of reference for Merengue music.
Important artists: Juan Luis Guerra, Wilfrido Vargas, Eddy Herrera, Los Hermanos Rosario, Elvis
Crespo, Olga Taon, Los Vecinos.

Latin Pop
Latin Pop is one of the most popular Latin music genres today. Some of the biggest Latin music
stars in the world belong to this genre. However, before the arrival of artists like Shakira and Ricky
Martin, Latin Pop was defined by the romantic music that legendary artists such as Julio Iglesias
and Roberto Carlos produced back in the 1970s. Latin Pop represents the biggest chunk of the
popularity Latin music enjoys today as a mainstream phenomenon.
Important artists: Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, Juanes, Ricky Martin, Ricardo Arjona, Paulina Rubio,
Luis Miguel.

Latin Urban Music and Reggaeton

Borrowing influences from music styles such as Hip-hop, Rap and Reggae, Latin Urban music has
experienced significant changes during the last two decades. From the original sounds of the
Reggae fusion created by Panamanian artist El General to the Reggaeton fever of the late 1990s,
Latin Urban music has continued to evolve into a complex genre that includes all kinds of Tropical
rhythms, Pop and Dance music. Some of today's best Latin Urban artists are also some of the
most popular Latin music stars in the world. Latin Urban music is definitely one of the most exciting
Latin music genres today.
Important artists: Daddy Yankee, Calle 13, Don Omar, Wisin y Yandel, Ana Tijoux, Pitbull, Chino y
Nacho.

Brazilian Music
If I previously said Regional Mexican music was a generic term, Brazilian music is probably the
most generic term that exists in Latin music. Brazilian music is, in fact, as big as the country itself.
From Samba and Bossa Nova to Sertaneja and Brazilian Popular Music, Brazilian music has
delivered some of the most famous Latin music songs in the entire world. Top Brazilian artists
include legendary stars like Antonio Carlos Jobim, Caetano Veloso, Joao Gilberto and Marisa
Monte.
Important artists: Antonio Carlos Jobim, Giberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Elis Regina, Roberto
Carlos, Marisa Monte, Chico Buarque.

Latin Rock and Alternative Music

In general terms, the development of Latin Rock has been influenced by the development of Rock
music. However, it was only until the 1980s that Latin America was able to come up with a defined
musical expression associated with Rock music. Back in the time, it was known as Rock en
Espaol. Since then, however, Latin Rock artists have started to incorporate all kinds of traditional
Latin music rhythms into their music. As a result of this, Latin Rock has become the force behind
the development of today's Latin Alternative music. Latin Rock has influenced Latin Alternative
music in the same way Reggaeton and Hip-hop have shaped Latin Urban music. Today, Latin
Alternative music offers the most interesting non-mainstream music in the Latin music world.
Important artists: Mana, Calle 13, Soda Stereo, Cafe Tacvba, Andres Calamaro, Aterciopelados,
Juanes.