Latino Rock
Originated in Latin America
by: Nicole Quintanilla
Origin of Latino Rock
• Latino rock began in 1958 when
singer/songwriter Ritchie Valens recorded his
song “La Bamba”, popularizing spanish language rock throughout many Latin American
countries. After Valens’ song, the first rock bands
began appearing in the late 50’s and early 60’s.
Carlos Santana further popularized Latino Rock
in the late 60’s.
Ritchie Valens
Instruments
• The main instruments used in Latin Rock are
the typical instruments used in American Rock
including the electric guitar, bass guitar,
keyboard, drums and another instrument
originating in Cuba called the timbales (a
smaller type of drum).
bass guitar
electric guitar
drums
timbales
Meaning of the Music
• In Argentina Latin Rock is often used to express
the spirit of freedom against military
dictatorships.
• Latin Rock, much like other types of music, is
used to express feelings of love, anger, hope
and even spread positive messages to people
all around the world.
Famous Latino Rock Artists
•
Some popular artists include: Ritchie Valens, with his
song “La Bamba” which popularized Latino Rock in
many Latin American countries.
•
Carlos Santana’s band Santana is also a popular Latin
Rock group with their album “Supernatural” featuring the
hit singles “Maria Maria” and “Smooth”.
•
Soda Stereo is a popular Latin Rock band from Buenos
Aires, Argentina. Their most popular single “De Música
Ligera” was the last one they ever played live at their
final concert called El Último Concierto in 1997.
Santana’s “Supernatural”
Occurrences of Historical Significance
•
One major event that takes place is the annual Voice of
Latin Rock Autism Awareness Benefit which takes place
in San Francisco, California.
•
The most famous Latin Rock event is the Latin
American Music Conference. Now held in New York City
and features Latin Rock artists from the United States
and Spain.
The Latin Rock Conference is a Latin Rock
festival that take place every year in New
York where 10 of the best new bands
compete to play in the Grand Concert in
Prospect Park West Brooklyn.
Interesting Facts
•
Ritchie Valens, the pioneer of the Latin Rock movement,
was killed in a plane crash on February 3, 1959 at the
age of 17. This day became known as The Day The
Music Died.
Monument at the crash site for Latin Rock musicians
Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and J.P “The Big Bopper”
Richardson.
Works Cited
•
http://www.voicesoflatinrock.com
•
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
Latin_Alternative#Events_and_media_coverage
•
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernatural_(Santana_album)
•
http://www.grahamnasby.com/misc/images_concertband/pearl_timbal
es.jpg
•
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1030/530554201_c509363d6c.jpg
•
http://therockconference.com/about_us.htm