Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with rock en español
Check out these Latin rock and rock en español bands to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and enjoy great music.
By bonneville on September 25, 2024
Why we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month was designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 after Hispanic Heritage Week was commended annually for two decades. The celebration is seen as a way to celebrate the cultural contributions of Hispanic people in the US and runs from September 15 – October 15.
To celebrate the month The Arrow style, we’re spotlighting a few rock en español bands along with Latin rock bands who have played a crucial role in their influence.
Latin rock vs. rock en español
Latin rock and rock en español are distinct genres that share some similarities but differ. “Latin rock” as a term appeared after Santana released their self-titled album in 1969. Writers and critics define it as rock music influenced by Latin American rhythms and instruments, which can include elements of salsa, cumbia, and samba.
Rock en español is any rock music sung in Spanish. It encompasses musicians in Latin America and Spain and can include elements of Latin American music, but its linguistic and regional roots define it as such.
Rock en español bands
Soda Stereo
This iconic rock band formed in 1982 in Argentina, and people widely regard them as one of the most influential bands in the history of rock en español. Their songs were so epic even Coldplay took note, performing a cover with band member Gustavo Cerati of “De Música Ligera (En Vivo)” when they performed in Argentina.
Maná
Mana is one of the most famous Spanish rock bands of all time. Hailing from Mexico, they released “Oye Mi Amor” in 1992, which has risen to iconic status. They’ve collaborated with Santana and appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live throughout their career, solidifying their influence in the music industry.
Los Prisioneros
From Chile, Los Prisioneros played a pivotal role during the ’80s and ’90s in Latin America, establishing rock en español as a formidable force in the music world. “Estrechez de Corazon,” one of their leading hits, was influenced by the synthpop sounds propelled by bands like Depeche Mode and New Order. The album it came from, “Corazones,” would later be recognized by the Rolling Stones as one of 50 best Latin-American albums of all time at number 23.
Latin rock bands
Santana
Santana broke through to the mainstream in 1969 when they performed at Woodstock, catapulting them to international fame. The way they fused sounds from Latin rhythms with American rock and roll music was novel at the time and resonated strongly. Many credit Carlos Santana, who was born and raised in Mexico, for pioneering Latin rock. Their 1999 album “Supernatural” earned them multiple Grammy Awards, solidifying their force in the music industry.
Los Lobos
Los Lobos is a Mexican-American rock and roll group from LA. They blended rock and roll with country and traditional Mexican music like cumbia and boleros and rose to fame in the late ’80s. Notable musicians like Elvis Costello and Robert Plant, among others, have covered their songs, signifying their influence. They also earned a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 for their contributions to the genre.
The band still records and tours today, even after Francisco Gonzalez, their co-founder and former band member, died in 2022. In 2011, the group was awarded the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for contributing to Latin music.
Los Lonely Boys
Los Lonely Boys hail from Texas and consist of three brothers. They follow a tradition born by their father, who had a band with his brothers called the Falcones. Their unique blend of rock, blues, and Tejano music earned them a breakthrough in 2004 with “Heaven,” earning them multiple Grammy’s and international fame.
Other contributions to Spanish and Latin Rock
Our list is by no means comprehensive of all the contributions to rock en español and Latin rock.
Other Spanish rock bands include El Tri, Los Caifanes, and Café Tacvba.
Further, Latinos are members of many famous rock and roll bands in the US. To name a few: Robert Trujillo from Metallica, Dave Navarro from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Zach De La Rocha of Rage Against The Machine, Psycho Mike from Suicidal Tendencies, and Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night.
One of the best ways to celebrate the Hispanic community’s rich cultural heritage and musical diversity is by enjoying great music. These bands give you a taste of everything Spanish speakers and Latinos have contributed to mainstream culture. It also encourages future artists to share their culture and unique qualities that make them stand out.
