Tito Puente
Puerto Rican-American musician Tito Puente is known as the “King of Latin Music.” Puente was a bandleader who created many classics in the Latin jazz genre, which won him the additional title of “King of Latin Jazz.” Puente’s percussive prowess and innovative arrangements made him a significant contributor to the genre. Puente incorporated many differential musical influences in his music ranging from bossa nova to merengue, most notably in his album “Bossa Nova.” Commendably, over 100 albums have been recorded by Puente, and hundreds of compositions as well. Tito Puente has also won the “Billboard Latin Music Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Bad Bunny
Benito Martínez Ocasio, a Puerto Rican singer and rapper, is well-known for his contributions to Latin trap and reggaeton as Bad Bunny. Many of the songs, such as “Me Porto Bonito,” have over a billion Spotify streams. Bad Bunny has earned numerous awards, including Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards, and continually expanded Latin music’s global reach. His music videos, such as “Caro” and “Vete,” have also garnered attention for their artistic creativity. Additionally, Bad Bunny has used his platform to speak on social and political issues. For example, Bad Bunny used his song “Estamos Bien” to encourage Puerto Rican victims of Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Selena
Selena Quintanilla, often referred to as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” was a Mexican-American singer who remains an enduring icon to artists and fans. Songs like “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” and “Como La Flor” topped the charts and cemented her legacy as one of the most beloved Hispanic artists in history. Selena made a significant impact when she entered the Tejano genre, which was predominantly made up of male artists, and seamlessly infused it with elements of R&B, pop, hip-hop, and cumbia. She has won 14 Billboard Latin Music Awards. Tragically, her life was cut short in 1995, but the memories and influences she created continue to thrive through her fans.
Kali Uchis
Kali Uchis is a Colombian-American Hispanic artist known for her unique fusion of R&B, pop, soul, and Latin music. In songs like “El Ratico,” Uchis works with recognizable Latin rhythms. Her debut studio album, “Isolation,” received acclaim and showcased her versatility as an artist, incorporating elements of reggae, doo-wop, and funk. Beyond her musical talents, Uchis is celebrated for her distinctive fashion sense, often drawing inspiration from vintage aesthetics.
Daddy Yankee
Hailing from Puerto Rico, Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez is a rapper and singer who began his career in the 1990s, known as Daddy Yankee. One of Daddy Yankee’s most significant contributions to the music world was his role in popularizing reggaeton; a genre that fuses Latin rhythms with hip-hop and dancehall influences. His release of “Gasolina” in 2004 was a pivotal moment to reggaeton’s increased recognition. Daddy Yankee’s lyrics are sometimes lighthearted but also reflect on the experiences and realities of life in Puerto Rico; touching on topics such as poverty, inequality, and resilience.
Julio Iglesias
Born in Madrid, Spain, Julio Iglesias, the Spanish crooner with a rich voice, has been serenading the world for decades. Iglesias was originally a professional soccer player. However, after a near-fatal car accident in 1962, he turned to music during his recovery. Iglesias gained international acclaim with his romantic ballads and pop hits like “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before” and “Hey.” Iglesias’s career spans over 300 million records sold worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists in history. Beyond music, his magnetic and romantic stage presence has mesmerized audiences during his live performances.
Rosalia
Rosalia is a Spanish singer who has gained fame for her unique blend of flamenco, pop, jazz, folk, and electronic music. Some of her popular songs include “LA NOCHE DE ANOCHE” and “DESPECHA.” Rosalia is praised for her visuals, which draw inspiration from Spanish and Japanese culture. Her debut album, “Los Ángeles,” released in 2017, showcased her remarkable vocals and reverence for flamenco roots. However, it was her sophomore release, “El Mal Querer,” in 2018 that catapulted her to international acclaim.
Celia Cruz
The “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz, was an Afro-Cuban singer known for her vibrant and powerful voice. Some of her hits include “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” and “Quimbara.” Her arrival in the U.S. from Cuba in 1960 marked a significant turning point in her career. Cruz quickly embraced her role as an ambassador of Latin music. She was a trailblazer for Afro-Latina artists, embracing her African heritage in songs like “La Negra Tiene Tumbao.” The distinctive style she carries on, adorned with vibrant wigs, and extravagant costumes, became iconic to her fan base. Along with her catchphrase “¡Azúcar!” (Sugar!) is forever etched in the hearts of fans around the world.
