From samba to cumbia to norteñas to merengue, Latin music is filled with upbeat cadences and robust sounds that tantalize the senses, transporting listeners on an exquisite auditory journey. Here are a few biographies, recordings and movies about and from some of my favorite Latin musicians.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Celia Cruz (affectionately known as the Queen of Salsa) endeared herself to millions of fans with her soulful vocals and exuberant cries of "Azúcar!" In an autobiography entitled Celia, she reveals her personal story in a touching account that chronicles her early years in Cuba to her journey to the United States and details her historic collaborations with such Latin music giants as Tito Puente (the King of Mambo), the incomparable Fania All-Stars of Fania Records 1964-1980 in New York and even a cameo in the film The Mambo Kings.
The Dominican American group Aventura (The last), led by front man Romeo Santos (Formula), is well-known for revolutionizing the traditional sounds of bachata, a unique musical style from the Caribbean, with a contemporary, urban twist.
Colombian singers Carlos Vives (Corazón profundo) and Juanes (Mi sangre) have inimitable sounds that meld conventional melodies into modern pan flute and electric guitar-inspired ballads.
Nuyorican singer Marc Anthony began his career as an English freestyle music artist who later crossed over and became a Latin music phenomenon. His range of music styles, from gentle boleros to sizzling salsas, is simply captivating. Anthony also plays the lead in the film El Cantante, the story of the life of Hector Lavoe, one of salsa music's premier voices.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by checking out these and other Latin music sensations via Hoopla!
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