Latin Music Today And Its US Connections

There’s no denying that Latin Music has been one of the most popular genres in the country. Ever since its development decades ago, it has fused with many other forms to reinvent itself. The definition has spread from its humble beginnings in the dances of Central and South America to include many of the sub genres that can be found in many US metropolitan cities.
It wouldn’t be too far fetched to say that the tunes of the early twentieth century was somehow persuaded by the large Hispanic populations all throughout the country. One very good example is the syncopated rhythm of jazz. Later on rhythm and blues would take that same beat and take it to a whole other level. Many bands started to incorporate more brass and percussionist players to take on these beats.

Before these styles evolved, many American tunes styles took their cue from Spanish influences. The early beginnings of jazz and later on rhythm and blues had a familiar syncopated beat not unlike many Caribbean styles. In those days, you could fund an additional percussionist playing a conga or the maracas in the band.

With the rising popularity of the radio and its availability to the masses, many cultural dances became instant hits in many other countries. One of those dances was the Argentinean tango. It wasn’t just in the US that it found a fan base; many countries around the world soon featured a bandoneon player in their dance halls. After a few years, the US took the tango and made it its own by incorporating the popular Hollywood musical influences of that time with the strong beats of the Argentine dance.

Up to the nineteen forties, it was common for many orchestras to have a big band as well as a few of these players. This wasn’t just a fad but something that became in big demand by the dancers. During this time, many of the dances that are now common were introduced. The rumba, mambo, samba and even paso doble were first danced in large groups here. Even the conga was a fun diversion that spread throughout all of the dance halls.
In the nineteen fifties, rhythm and blues and the beginnings of rock and roll dominated the airwaves. This didn’t stop the Hispanic influence though. In fact, the so called Spanish tinge contributed to the popularity of many songs. Today, these influences are heard in many forms.
While the popular dance styles can still be found in their pure form, there are also many artists that have broken through many mainstream genres to create a Latin fusion. From rock and roll to ballads, the syncopated beat is heard in almost all of the US cities.

In the middle of the last century, rock and roll was just starting to rise, but that didn’t stop the Spanish tinge from still hitting the airwaves. Some of the rock songs then also had some Spanish influences.
Today, a number of top artists owe their success to their Spanish roots. Indeed, they have subtly included these type of tunes into many of their songs while still making them accessible to most people.
Don’t be surprised to find Latin Music still very much alive today. It might not be in the form that you expect, but that beat is unmistakable.

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