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Música Para Cinco De Mayo

The Latin GRAMMY-themed playlist

GRAMMYs/Dec 3, 2014 - 05:06 am

Cinco de Mayo marks a date of great significance to Mexico as it celebrates the victory of the Mexican army over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Although the Mexican army was eventually defeated, the "Batalla de Puebla" represents a symbol of countrywide unity and patriotism as Mexico demonstrated its willingness to defend itself against foreign intervention.

In honor of Mexico's fortitude, we present our Cinco de Mayo playlist featuring music from a collection of Latin GRAMMY-winning artists who have proudly flown the Mexican flag.


"Espejo"

Pepe Aguilar

Born in San Antonio and raised in Zacatecas, Mexico, Aguilar is the son of Mexican recording legends Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre. He is a two-time Latin GRAMMY winner, and "Espejo" is featured on his album Enamorado, which won for Best Ranchero Album in 2007. Aguilar has also won three GRAMMY Awards to date.  


"Lo Mejor De Mi Vida" (iTunes>)

Banda El Recodo

One of Mexico's most eclectic acts, Banda El Recodo has dabbled in Latin dance, jazz/swing and classical music over its half century-plus existence. Banda has picked up five Latin GRAMMYs along the way, including Best Banda Performance for "Lo Mejor De Mi Vida" in 2000. The group picked up Best Banda Album for Me Gusta Todo De Ti at the 11th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards in 2010.


"No Hay Nadie Como Tú" (iTunes>)
Café Tacvba

Formed in 1989 in Mexico City, Café Tacvba became one of the preeminent bands from the late '90s rock en español movement. The group has won three Latin GRAMMY Awards, including Record Of The Year for "No Hay Nadie Como Tú" with Calle 13 in 2009.


"Hombre Que Más Te Amó" (iTunes>)
Vicente Fernández

Known as "El Charro de Mexico," Fernández was born in Huentitán del Alto, Jalisco, and graduated from singing on the streets to his status as a veritable Mexican icon. Fernández, who was honored as The Latin Recording Academy's Person of the Year in 2002, has won seven Latin GRAMMY Awards, including Best Ranchero Album for El Hombre Que Más Te Amó at the recent 12th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards in 2011.


"El México Que Se Nos Fue" (iTunes>)
Juan Gabriel

Born in Parácuaro, Michoacán, Gabriel has sold more than 100 million albums and has performed to sold-out audiences throughout the world over the course of his 30-year career. He was feted as The Latin Recording Academy's Person of the Year in 2009. He received his second career Latin GRAMMY nomination for Best Ranchero Album for Juan Gabriel in 2010.


"Alquimista" (iTunes>)

Jaguares

Mexican alternative rockers Jaguares are cool enough to be tied to a Beatle, having covered "Gimme Some Truth" for the John Lennon benefit cover album Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign To Save Darfur. In 2009 they won a Latin GRAMMY for Best Rock Album By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for 45, a title referencing the approximately 45 million people in Mexico living in poverty.


"Las Pequeñas Cosas" (iTunes>)
Jotdog

Formed in Mexico City, Jotdog features Jorge (Chiquis) Amaro and María Barracuda. The pop/rock duo made their Latin GRAMMY debut at the 11th annual awards in November 2010 with two nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Album By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for their self-titled debut.


"Todo Depende De Tí" (iTunes>)
La Arrolladora Banda El Limón De René Camacho

Formed in Sinaloa, La Arrolladora Banda El Limón De René Camacho is led by band director René Camacho. The band earned their first Latin GRAMMY nomination and win for Best Banda Album for Todo Depende De Tí at the 12th Annual Latin GRAMMYs.


"Herencia De Familia" (iTunes>)
Los Tigres Del Norte

Renowned norteño ensemble Los Tigres Del Norte hail from Rosa Morada, Sinaloa. The group's name came about when an immigration official labeled them as "little tigers" as they crossed the border on their way to their eventual home base in San Jose, Calif. "Herencia De Familia" won a Latin GRAMMY for Best Norteño Performance at the 1st Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards in 2000, the first of four awards for the Tigers. The group has also won six GRAMMY Awards to date.


"Lluvia Al Corazóz" (iTunes>)

Maná

Formed in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Maná parlayed an early career playing covers from the likes of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin to five Latin GRAMMY Awards. "Lluvia Al Corazóz " is the lead track from Drama Y Luz, which won Best Rock Album in 2011.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       


"Tu Mirada" (iTunes>)
Luis Miguel

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Mexico, Miguel is known not only for his impressive album catalog (including his 1982 debut album, recorded at the tender age of 11), but also his charismatic live performances. Miguel has won four Latin GRAMMY Awards, including Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "Tu Mirada" in 2000, and five GRAMMY Awards.


"Un Día Más" (iTunes>)
Reik

This Latin rock trio formed in Mexicali, Baja California, in 2003 and released their self-titled debut in 2005. Reik raked in a Latin GRAMMY for Best Pop Album By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for Un Día Más in 2009.


"Corazón Espinado" (iTunes>)
Carlos Santana

Arguably Mexico's most famous electric guitar export, the Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco-born Santana has covered avant-garde fusion, Latin rock and radio-friendly pop during his long-standing career. He struck gold three times at the inaugural Latin GRAMMY Awards in 2000, including Record Of The Year for "Corazón Espinado," a track which featured fellow playlisters Maná. Santana has also won 10 GRAMMY Awards to date.


"Afortunado" (iTunes>)
Joan Sebastián

Juliantla, Guerrero-born Sebastián is not only a seven-time Latin GRAMMY winner, he is also an actor, appearing in the popular Mexican soap opera "Tú Y Yo" in 1996. "Afortunado" won two Latin GRAMMYs for Best Banda Album and Best Regional Mexican Song in 2008. He received a nomination in the latter category again at last year's 11th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards.


"Tu Amor O Tu Desprecio" (iTunes>)
Marco Antonio Solís

Born in Ario de Rosales, Michoacán, Solís was but a teenager when he was part of the popular Mexican ensemble Los Bukis. As a solo artist, he has enjoyed a nearly two-decade career and four Latin GRAMMY Awards, including Best Regional Mexican Song for "A Dónde Vamos A Parar" at the 12th Annual Latin GRAMMYs in 2011.


"El Presente" (iTunes>)
Julieta Venegas

Venegas, born in Tijuana, Baja California, is a woman of many talents given her ability to play guitar, accordion and keyboards. Considered one of Latin music's cutting-edge alternative artists, Venegas has won five Latin GRAMMY Awards, including three for her 2008 album MTV Unplugged, and one for Best Short Form Music Video for "Bien O Mal" at the 11th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards.


"Labios Rotos" (iTunes>)
Zoé

Mexican alternative/psychedelic band Zoé were formed in Mexico City in 1994. The five-piece outfit includes León Larregui (vocals/guitar), Sergio Acosta (guitar), Angel Mosqueda (bass), Jesús Báez (keyboards), and Rodrigo Guardiola (drums). The band received their first two Latin GRAMMYs for Best Rock Song for "Labios Rotos" and Best Alternative Music Album for Música De Fondo: MTV Unplugged at the 12th Annual Latin GRAMMYs.

What music will help you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Leave us a comment.

7 Incredible Sets From L.A.'s Bésame Mucho Fest: Maná, Natalia Lafourcade, Paquita La Del Barrio & More
Maldita Vecindad perform at L.A.'s Besame Mucho Fest

Photo: Justin James

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7 Incredible Sets From L.A.'s Bésame Mucho Fest: Maná, Natalia Lafourcade, Paquita La Del Barrio & More

More than 60 acts performed at the Bésame Mucho Festival, held Dec. 2 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. From Amanda Miguel to Pepe Aguilar, revisit a handful of the sets from the leading lights in Latin music.

GRAMMYs/Dec 4, 2023 - 08:04 pm

Diverse genres within Latin music were celebrated at the Bésame Mucho Festival on Dec. 2 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, where more than 60 acts performed. At the second edition of the festival — which will boast an Austin, Texas edition in March 2024 —   artists performed an array of música Mexicana, rock en español, and Latin pop hits to a multi-generational crowd.

Iconic artists and bands performed on four massive stages: The Rockero, Las Clásicas, Te Gusta El Pop? and the Beso stages. Headliners included Cafe Tacvba, Los Bukis and Reik, while major acts such as Bomba Estereo, Los Angeles Azules, and Jesse & Joy added to the fest's wide-ranging sounds.

While a majority of acts were from Mexico, artists from Argentina, Colombia, and Spain were also in the mix. "It was nice to be considered part of such a cool catalog of bands," Luis Humberto Navejas, the lead singer of Latin rock group Enjambre, told GRAMMY.com.

The festival especially highlighted Mexican culture with giant installations of Maria rag dolls and colorful skeletons that are typical of the traditional Day of the Dead holiday. 

Read on to learn about what went down during seven standout sets at the Bésame Mucho Festival.

Enjambre Represented The Future Of Latin Rock

Enjambre was one of the first bands to hit the Rockero stage. While most of the Latin rock groups on the line-up predated the 2000s, Enjambre broke through in 2010 with their album Daltónico. Since, the Mexican group have charmed fans in their home country, the U.S. and beyond with their electronica-infused rock.

The band captivated the crowd and had them dancing to their futuristic rock anthems, including "Y La Esperanza," "Divergencia," and "Elemento." With a swagger (and black suit and black pair sunglasses for extra cool) lead singer Luis Humberto Navejas commanded the stage while wielding the microphone stand. Even as the band rocked out, Navejas' otherworldly voice cut through to capture the emotional depth behind each song, especially the nostalgic "Dulce Soledad." 

For their latest album Noches De Salón, Enjambre re-recorded their past hits with retro sounds. "We're shedding some light on these old and beautiful rhythms, like the cha-cha, danzón, bolero, and rancheras, that we love so much," Navejas told GRAMMY.com backstage. 

Amanda Miguel Ruled the Stage With Her Románticas

One of Mexico's most beloved pop icons is Amanda Miguel, who drew cheers from the crowd as she hit the Te Gusta El Pop? in a bright golden pantsuit. After growing up in Argentina, she became a naturalized citizen of Mexico and later made an impact throughout Latin America and the U.S. thanks to her collection of hit romantic songs. 

 "It's music that thanks to my fans keeps transcending generations," Miguel told GRAMMY.com backstage. "It's music that's very healing and beautiful. It's music that promotes love, which is what we need the most in the world."

While other acts brought out pyrotechnics and other visual attractions, Miguel relied solely on her powerhouse voice to command the stage. She seamlessly glided between her love songs, such as the sweet "Hagamos Un Trato" and heartbreak anthems like "Dudas." The pain behind "Él Me Mintió" was especially palpable in her emotional performance, though Miguel lightened the mood during the sensual "El Gato y Yo," where she wailed like a rocker.

Paquita La Del Barrio Didn’t Let Illness Slow Her Down

Even before Paquita La Del Barrio hit the Clásicas stage, the crowd was chanting her name. A pioneer for women in música Mexicana, the legend pushed back on machismo ingrained in Latinx culture with her female empowerment anthems.

Paquita La Del Barrio performed her biggest hits while seated, revealing that she was suffering from a throat illness, but that didn't stop her sticking it to the men that wronged her in the classics like "Cheque en Blanco" and "Me Saludas a la Tuya." The crowd went wild when she yelled her famous phrase in Spanish, "Are you listening to me, you good-for-nothing?"

Paquita La Del Barrio brought down the house with her emotional performance of "Rata De Dos Patas," in which she compares a cheating lover to a rat. At the end of her set, she stood up to say, "Since 1947, I’ve received more applause than money and that’s what matters most."

Gloria Trevi Put on an Unforgettable Pop Spectacle 

Gloria Trevi is one of Mexico's biggest pop icons and previously ranked as the most successful touring Mexican female artist. The 55-year-oldTrevu left it all on the stage during her larger-than-life pop spectacle and hits-filled set.

Trevi descended down a metal staircase that was uniquely part of her production in a fluffy pink coat. She revealed a white dress underneath that was studded with the colors of Mexico (Trevi's hour-long set included three costume changes). Singing and dancing with a team of male dancers, Tevi flipped around in the arms of her dancers to the glorious "Gloria" and later performed a split while singing "La Papa Sin Catsup." Trevi then crowd surfed while singing a rock-infused version of "Dr. Psiquiatra." 

She got the crowd going wild when she belted out her breakthrough hit "Pelo Suelto," concluding her set in a blaze of rainbow lasers with her fierce performance of "Todos Me Miran," an anthem for the LGBTQIA+ community. Trevi's Bésame performance was a preview of next year's Mi Soundtrack World Tour. 

Natalia Lafourcade Showed There’s No Limits To Latin Music

Natalia Lafourcade is known for infusing Latin music with elements of jazz, folk and alternative music — a style that has netted the Mexican singer\songwriter three GRAMMY awards and 17 Latin GRAMMYs. 

Lafourcade got to prove that her beloved songs are even more breathtaking in a live setting, arriving on the Rockero stage with guitar in hand. While performing a stirring rendition of "María La Curandera," she broke out into a jam session with her band. Lafourcade sang her breezy title track from De Todas Las Flores, which won Record Of The Year at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs and is nominated for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album at the 2024 GRAMMYs. Fellow nominees are Leche De Tigre by Diamante Eléctrico, Cabra's MARTÍNEZ, Vida Cotidiana by Juanes and Fito Paez's EADDA9223. 

When addressing the crowd, Lafourcade was notably inclusive with using "todes," which is a progressive and gender-neutral way of saying "everybody" in Spanish. She got the crowd dancing when she performed the cumbia version of her hit "Nunca Es Suficiente." Lafourcade drew cheers when she said in Spanish that toxic partners belonged in the trash. 

Maná Performed an Incredible Career-Spanning Set 

Maná is one of the most-celebrated Mexican acts with four GRAMMY awards and eight Latin GRAMMY awards. After wrapping up a sold-out 16 show residency at the Forum last month, the legendary rock group serenaded Bésame Mucho with its timeless classics.

In his black leather jacket and leather pants, lead singer Fher Olvera and his bandmates ripped through their greatest hits, including "Corazon Espinado" and the funky "Hechicera." The band struck a fine balance between their raucous classics like the unruly "Me Vale" and the heartfelt power ballads like "Mariposa Traicionera" and "Labios Compartidos."

Maná also performed rock-infused covers of "Bésame Mucho" in honor of the festival and "El Rey" by the late ranchera icon Vicente Fernández. The latter was done to pay homage to Fernández and the band's Mexican roots. A full-on dance party erupted in the crowd when Maná performed a fired-up rendition of "Oye Mi Amor."

Pepe Aguilar Serenaded Concert-Goers With His Love Songs

Over the course of his career, Pepe Aguilar has won four GRAMMYs and five Latin GRAMMYs. He proudly represented his country and mariachi music during his hour-long set.

Aguilar appeared on the Clásicas stage in his Mexican charro suit, which is typical of mariachi singers. While performing the sweeping ballad "Directo al Corazón," he removed his giant sombrero to place it over his heart. "After this medley, you'll fall in love with someone," Aguilar promised in Spanish. "Open your heart and let yourself go." Then he continued to touch the hearts of his fans as he belted out his classics like "Perdóname" and "Me Vas A Extrañar." 

Aguilar is known for his arena tours that embrace the Mexican tradition of jaripeo, or performances on horseback. While he couldn't bring the full jaripeo experience to Bésame Mucho, vivid images of Mexico and horses appeared behind him as he performed his biggest hits. He closed out his set with a heartfelt rendition of his signature love song "Por Mujeres Como Tú."

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Performers Announced For The 2023 Latin GRAMMY Premiere: Julieta Venegas, Mike Bahía, Elena Rose, Majo Aguilar, Paula Arenas & More

Image courtesy of the Latin Recording Academy

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Performers Announced For The 2023 Latin GRAMMY Premiere: Julieta Venegas, Mike Bahía, Elena Rose, Majo Aguilar, Paula Arenas & More

Before the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs commence, the Latin GRAMMY Premiere will get the night started in epic fashion. Take a look at the star-studded list of performers, including Vanesa Martín and Omar Montes.

GRAMMYs/Nov 7, 2023 - 06:44 pm

The 2023 Latin GRAMMYs will kick off in a major way on Thursday, Nov. 16. The Latin Recording Academy has today announced the performers and presenters for its annual Latin GRAMMY Premiere, which takes place hours before the Latin GRAMMY Awards and where the majority of the awards will be presented.

The Latin GRAMMY Premiere will kick off with performances by current nominees Majo Aguilar (Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album), Paula Arenas (Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, and Best Pop Song), Mike Bahía (Best Contemporary Tropical Album), Vanesa Martín (Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album), Elena Rose (Songwriter Of The Year), Thiaguinho (Best Samba/Pagode Album), and Julieta Venegas (Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop/Rock Song). Latin GRAMMY-nominated Brazilian singer Giulia Be and Spanish actor Miguel Ángel Muñoz will host the ceremony.

The Latin GRAMMY Premiere will stream live from the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Sevilla (Seville), Andalucía (Andalusia), Spain, across all of the Latin Recording Academy's platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, X and Instagram, on Thursday, Nov. 16, beginning at 9:30 a.m. PT / 12:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. CET.

Read More: 2023 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Complete Nominations List

In celebration of the International Day of Flamenco, which is also Nov. 16, all five current nominees in the Best Flamenco Album category — Israel Fernández, Diego Guerrero, Omar Montes, Niña Pastori, and Juanfe Pérez — will come together for a special performance at the Latin GRAMMY Premiere. Delivering a once-in-a-lifetime homage to the genre, the historic musical performance will celebrate both flamenco and its native Spain, which this year hosts the Latin GRAMMY Premiere and the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs, marking the show's first-ever international telecast

"The 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards officially begin with the Premiere ceremony, and we look forward to celebrating excellence in Spanish- and Portuguese-language recordings," Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud said in a statement. "Our first international ceremony will showcase a wide range of artists across various genres, with a special musical performance featuring all five nominees in the Flamenco category performing together onstage."

Read More: 2023 Latin GRAMMYs Explained: 4 Reasons To Be Excited About The New Categories & Changes

After the Latin GRAMMY Premiere, the Biggest Night in Latin Music continues at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs, which will air at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT) on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 p.m. CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Additional international broadcasting partners and local airings will be available soon. 

Performers at the 2023 Latin GRAMMY Awards include current nominees Juanes, Rauw Alejandro, Alejandro Sanz, Christian Nodal, Ozuna, Bizarrap, Feid, Camilo, Maria Becerra, and many others. Additionally, Peso Pluma and Eslabón Armado will join forces to perform "Ella Baila Sola" for the first time together on television.

Latin GRAMMY winner and GRAMMY nominee Sebastián Yatra; Latin GRAMMY nominees and actresses Roselyn Sánchez and Danna Paola; and internationally acclaimed actress Paz Vega will host the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs, officially known as the 24th Latin GRAMMY Awards.

Several new Latin GRAMMY categories will debut at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs, including Best Songwriter Of The Year, as part of the newly created Songwriting Field, Best Singer-Songwriter Song and Best Portuguese-Language Urban Performance. These new, globally minded additions reinforce the international expansion of both the Latin GRAMMYs and the Latin Recording Academy. 

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GRAMMY Rewind: Marco Antonio Solís Offers Encouragement For Aspiring Musicians During His Person Of The Year Acceptance Speech
Marco Antonio Solís at the 2022 Latin GRAMMYs.

Photo: Courtesy of the Latin Recording Academy

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GRAMMY Rewind: Marco Antonio Solís Offers Encouragement For Aspiring Musicians During His Person Of The Year Acceptance Speech

Mexican hitmaker Marco Antonio Solís motivated young musicians to stay positive and trust the Creator during his Person Of The Year acceptance speech at the 2022 Latin GRAMMYs.

GRAMMYs/Nov 3, 2023 - 04:36 pm

After nearly 50 years in the industry, legendary Mexican musician and producer Marco Antonio Solís has established himself as one of the most iconic Latin artists in history – from spearheading one of the bestselling grupero bands, Los Bukis, to creating his own roster of solo hits.

As Manuel Abud, the CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, said of Solís in April 2022, "He continues to break down generational barriers through his poignant lyrics … and inspire greater acceptance and understanding." And seven months later, the icon was honored with the Person Of The Year award at the 2022 Latin GRAMMYs.

"My heart is filled with gratitude," Solís said in Spanish during his acceptance speech. "Gratitude is the heart's memory. I am grateful to everyone who is watching us out there on the television. To all those who have supported me in my career over so many years."

Before leaving the stage, Solís gave an uplifting message to aspiring musicians: "To all those who are dreaming of being here some day, a big hug and never lose courage, and above all, faith in our most loved Creator. You will be here some day. Thank you."

The 2023 Latin GRAMMYs will be held Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Sevilla, Spain, the first-ever international show in Latin GRAMMY history. Tune in on Univision at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT).

Press play on the video above to hear Marco Antonio Solís's complete acceptance speech for Person Of The Year at the 2022 Latin GRAMMYs, and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of GRAMMY Rewind.

2023 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Complete Nominations List  

10 Facts About Latin Music At The GRAMMYs: History-Making Wins, New Categories & More
Aida Cuevas, Natalia Lafourcade and Ángela Aguilar perform during the 2019 GRAMMYs

Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

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10 Facts About Latin Music At The GRAMMYs: History-Making Wins, New Categories & More

For decades, Latin music has been an indispensable part of the GRAMMYs landscape. Ahead of the 2024 GRAMMYs nominations, here are some milestones in Latin music at Music’s Biggest Night.

GRAMMYs/Oct 18, 2023 - 03:42 pm

The 2024 GRAMMY nominations are right around the corner — and as always, inspired Latin musical offerings will lie within the heart of the list.

While the Recording Academy’s sister academy, the Latin Recording Academy, naturally honors this world most comprehensively, it plays a crucial role in the GRAMMYs landscape just as in that of the Latin GRAMMYs — and there’s been crossover time and time again!

On Nov. 10, the world will behold nominations in all categories — including several within the Latin, Global, African, Reggae & New Age, Ambient, or Chant field. Within the world of Latin music, the awards are: Best Latin Pop Album, Best Música Urbana Album, Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album, Best Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano), and Best Tropical Latin Album. The Recording Academy also offers a GRAMMY Award for Best Latin Jazz album, though that award is a part of a different field. 

Like the Recording Academy and GRAMMYs themselves, these categories have evolved over the years. Along the way, various Latin music luminaries have forged milestones in Academy history.

Ahead of the 2024 GRAMMYs nominations, here are some key facts to know about Latin music’s history at the GRAMMYs.

The First Award For Latin Music At The GRAMMYs Was Given In 1975

The first winner for Best Latin Recording was pianist and composer Eddie Palmieri, for 1974’s The Sun of Latin Music. Now an eight-time GRAMMY winner, Palmieri took home the golden gramophone in this category at both the 1976 GRAMMYs and the following year for Unfinished Masterpiece.

At the 1980 GRAMMYs, the first group winner was the thrice nominated Afro-Cuban jazz band Irakere, for their 1978 self-titled debut.

Percussionist Mongo Santamaria holds the record for the most nominations within the Best Latin Recording category.

The Sound Of Latin Pop — And The Title Of The Award — Has Shifted Over 40 Years  

Back in 1983, this category was called Best Latin Pop Performance. The first winner was José Feliciano, who took home the golden gramophone for his album Me Enamoré at the 26th GRAMMY Awards.

Best Latin Pop Performance eventually pivoted to Best Latin Pop Album and Best Latin Pop or Urban Album, then back to Best Latin Pop Album — just another example of how the Academy continually strives for precision and inclusion in its categories.

As for most wins, it’s a tie between Feliciano and Alejandro Sanz, at four. Feliciano also holds the distinction of having two consecutive wins, at the 1990 and 1991 GRAMMYs.

The Best Latin Urban Album Category Was Introduced In 2007

The first winner in this category was the urban hip-hop outfit Calle 13, for their 2007 album Residente o Visitante.

The first female nominee was Vanessa Bañuelos, a member of the Latin rap trio La Sinfonia, who were nominated for Best Latin Urban Album for their 2008 self-titled album at the 2009 GRAMMYs.

Here’s Who Dominated The Best Norteño Album Category

The first GRAMMY winner in the Best Norteño Album category was Los Tigres Del Norte, for their 2006 album Historias Que Contar, at the 2007 GRAMMYs. To date, they have landed four consecutive wins — at the 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 GRAMMYs.

The Intersection Between Latin, Rock & Alternative Has Shifted

Best Latin Rock Or Alternative Album; Best Latin Rock, Alternative Or Urban Album; Best Latin Rock/Alternative Performance… so on and so forth.

If that’s a mouthful, again, that shows how the Academy continually hones in on a musical sphere for inclusion and accuracy’s sake.

Within this shifting category, the first winner was Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, who won Best Latin Rock/Alternative Performance for 1997’s Fabulosos Calavera at the 1998 GRAMMYs.

At the 2016 GRAMMYs, there was a tie for the golden gramophone for Best Latin Rock, Urban Or Alternative Album, between Natalia Lafourcade and Pitbull. Overall, the most wins underneath this umbrella go to Maná, with a total of three.

These Artists Made History In Tropical Latin Categories

Over the years, this component of Latin music has been honored with GRAMMYs for Best Traditional Tropical Latin Performance, Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album, Best Tropical Latin Performance, and Best Tropical Latin Album.

The first winner of a GRAMMY for Best Tropical Latin Performance was Tito Puente & His Latin Ensemble, for "On Broadway," from the 1983 album of the same name.

Under the same category, the first female winner was Celia Cruz, for "Ritmo En El Corazón." Overall, Rubén Blades has taken home the most GRAMMYs under this umbrella, with a total of six.

This Was The First Latin Artist To Win Album Of The Year

Ten-time GRAMMY winner and 14-time nominee Carlos Santana holds this distinction for 1999’s "Supernatural," at the 2000 GRAMMYs.

This Was The First Spanish-Language Album To Be Nominated For Album Of The Year

That would be Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti, at the 2023 GRAMMYs; Bad Bunny also performed at the ceremony, but Harry Styles ended up taking home that golden gramophone.

Ditto Música Mexicana — Formerly Known As Best Regional Mexican Music Album

Música mexicana — a broad descriptor of regional sounds, including Tejano — is having a moment in recent years, which points to the incredibly rich GRAMMYs legacy of these musical worlds.

The first winner for Best Mexican-American Performance was Los Lobos, for 1983’s "Anselma." For Best Regional Mexican or Tejano Album, that was Pepe Aguilar, for 2010’s "Bicentenario."

The Inaugural Trophy For Best Música Urbana Album Went To…

The one and only Bad Bunny, for 2020’s El Último Tour Del Mundo. He took home the golden gramophone again at the 2023 GRAMMYs for Un Verano Sin Ti

Keep checking back as more information comes out about the 2024 GRAMMYs — and how the Recording Academy will honor and elevate Latin genres once again!

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