There is a very strong relationship between Latin Music and Rock n Roll. They have roots in each other and have heavily influenced each other. Both have produced extraordinary performers that have crossed over the lines to achieve popularity in both genres. This paper will explore the unique relationship between these two genres.
Latin music is the product of Latin American countries. Geography plays a major factor in the style of music. Latin America consists of the islands of the Caribbean, the continent of South America and the countries of Central America. Tejano from Mexico, the Tango from Argentina, Samba from Brazil and newer fusion styles are but a few examples of the widely varied styles of music. The development of so many types of music in Latin America can be attributed to the numerous cultural influences of the region. There is rich diversity in Latin America which has greatly influenced the myriad of music genres that flourish there.
These influences include the Portuguese in Brazil, the Spanish throughout the rest of Latin America, the indigenous Native Americans such as the Aztecs and the Mayans and African slaves. The many relationships between these wildly different cultures influenced the unique types of music that began to develop in each sub region of Latin America. Language, national identity, socioeconomic factors are but a few of the influences in Latin Music.
The last century has witnessed crossover and blending of the many styles of Latin Music. Travel and immigration introduced the world to the unique sounds of Latin Music. Technology
such as radio, movies and television introduced the world to the various styles of music that were so popular in specific regions of Latin America.
Rock n roll is a uniquely American musical genre. It too is the product of various musical styles of varied geographic locations of the United States. Again, the African influence on the music of America is very important. Gospel, jazz and blues all have their roots in African American slave music. White musical influences include country and western and bluegrass. These genres also had specific geographic origins: Jazz from New Orleans; Country Western from Texas; and Bluegrass from Appalachia (McGovern).
Rock n roll appealed immediately to teenagers and for many years was considered the younger generation’s music. Baby boomers who popularized the genre are now in their sixties and still fans. Technology made it possible for this generation to be exposed to many styles of music. Musicians of this time period blended various traditional styles of music and ended up with what we now consider rock n roll.
Rock n roll is a relatively new genre of music. It appeared in the 1950’s with hits from artists such as the Everly Brothers, Bill Haley and Chuck Barry. It has evolved quickly over the years to encompass various types of rock: Alternative, Heavy Metal, Punk, and Southern. Rock n roll quickly spread globally and was especially influential in Great Britain.
Early rock n roll music was also influenced by Latin music and featured Latino artists. La Bamba sung by Ritchie Valens is clearly Latin. The rhythms used in Rock around the Clock by Bill Haley are evidence of early influence of Latin music in American rock. At this time, 1950’s, Latin music was enjoying huge success in nightclubs from New York to Los Angeles. Latin musicians: Tito Puente, Desi Arnaz and Perez Prado had people dancing the Mambo all night long.
The influx of Hispanics from Cuba and Puerto Rico in the 1950’s and 1960’s began to heavily influence Rock music. The Mexican population of the Southwestern region of the United States also influenced rock n roll in that area. Famed guitarist, Carlos Santana released Oye Como Va in 1970, it hit 13 on Billboard’s charts (Cruet 2013).
Rock n roll in Latin America had a more difficult time of being accepted. Countries such as Argentina and Cuba outright banned rock n roll music. It was considered to be subversive. Mexico was probably one of the first of the Latin American countries to accept rock n roll as a music form of the younger generation in the 1960’s. Many Latino artists took up rock n roll enthusiastically and made it their own. Spain produced several early rock bands that enjoyed popularity in Latin America such as Los Bravos and Los Cheyennes.
Mexico produced Los Lobos and Javier Batiz. Many Mexican artists sang both in Spanish and English and were able to crossover in the American music market as well. However, political tensions in Mexico in the 1970’s forced most rock musicians to go underground. As with American rock music, Mexican rock music became a vehicle for protest.
The 1980’s saw the growth of New Wave music in the rock world. This transcended into Latin American rock as well. Music from musicians of this era began to transcend borders. Rock en Espanol is a term that describes artists and their music who sing in Spanish. This differentiates them from American crossover artists. Artists like the Argentine band Soda Stereo and Chili’s Los Prisoneros began to enjoy success with audiences across the borders of their countries.
Rock en Espanol is now crossing into North America. With a fast growing Hispanic population, Latin rock n roll is being introduced to Americans. Radio stations, concerts and Spanish language rock bands are a fast growing portion of the music industry.
In 1993, MTV introduced the Latin American MTV and its own version of the MTV Music Awards. Advances in technology made events like this possible. With the advent of cable television, the internet and smart phones, music is truly going global. The movement of populations across borders is also aiding the spread of music. The relationship between Rock n Roll and Latin Music is symbiotic: both are influences on each other and both continue to influence and shape each other.
References
Macias, Adriana (Apr 14, 2011) Rock-n-roll music springs from Latino roots. 1 Dec 2014 http://borderzine.com/2011/04/rock-and-roll-music-springs-from-latino-roots/
Mabry, Donald J. The origins of rock ‘n roll. 30 Nov 21014 http://historicaltextarchive.com/sections.php?action=read&artid=738
McGovern, Charles F. Rock. 30 Nov 2014 http://americasmusic.tribecafilminstitute.org/session/view/rock
Cruet, Eric (2013) Latin music and rock n roll remix: 1960’s to 1970’s. 1 Dec 2014 https://blogs.commons.georgetown.edu/cctp-725-spring2013/2013/04/23/hybridity-in-latin-music-new-york-and-los-angeles/
