Hispanic Heritage Month: Styles and Genres to Explore

Each Spanish-speaking country has its own unique styles, though there have been many instances of styles crossing borders, including many styles that became popular in the United States. Some genres originated in the United States, which of course includes some territories formerly "owned" by Spain. Puerto Ricans, who are U.S. citizens, brought Anglo influences to Puerto Rico, and island culture to the U.S. mainland. The most recent popular Hispanic genre has been attributed to Puerto Ricans: "Reggaeton," or rap/hip-hop in Spanish.

Compact Disc 12685

Some other popular styles that originated in Latin America:

mambo, a Cuban dance form made popular in the 1950s by artists such as Perez Prado, composer of the original "Mambo No. 5."

Tango, developed in Argentina and brought to a high art form by Astor Piazzola.

Mariachi, from the Southwestern U.S. and Northern Mexico (Norteña).



Corridos, story-telling songs of history and heroism.

Banda, and Conjunto,derived from polka music.

Salsa, fast-paced music from Cuba.

Latin Jazz, which synthesizes jazz and one or more Latin American genres.

You can search by country or language using the Libraries' Media Finder for World Music, or by country using the Media Finder for Musical Recordings (other than classical).