world music
Music of Latin America: Latin Pop
By Jillian Fortner
Latin Pop
Pop music with Latin influences
Performed by Latino artists
Found success with American mainstream audiences during late 1950s
Electronic instrumental sounds
Loud brass instruments (trumpets and trombones)
Maracas, congas, and bongos
LATIN POP
INTRODUCING LATIN POP STAR:
GLORIA ESTEFAN
Cuban-American singer, songwriter, actress
Born on September 1st, 1957 in Havana
Spent most of her childhood in Miami, FL
Psychology major at the University of Miami
Considered Queen of Latin Pop
GLORIA’S START IN THE MUSIC CAREER
Gloria met keyboardist Emilio Estefan who led Miami Latin Boys
She joined Miami Latin Boys as their lead singer
The band later was renamed as “Miami Sound Machine”
Married Emilio in 1978
Performed American popular songs, Latin jazz, and Cuban son
Drew inspiration from these genres to start composing their own music
Made a huge breakthrough with their first English album “Eyes of Innocence” (1984)
Semi-truck accident put them on a year long hiatus but eventually the group returned to the stage
GLORIA AND THE BAND
MOST POPULAR SONGS
From Gloria and Miami Sound Machine
Conga (1985)
Rhythm is Gonna Get You (1987)
Anything for You (1987)
Dr. Beat (1984)
Gloria’s Achievements and Awards
Multiple Grammy Awards
Kennedy Center Honors Award
Multiple Billboard Music Awards
Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year and many more!
Musicals: ON YOUR FEET!
“On Your Feet” is a musical based on the life of Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan
Jukebox musical that features pop music by Gloria Estefan
played on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre in 2015
Links to sources:
https://www.biography.com/musician/gloria-estefan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloria_Estefan
Popular World Music, 2nd Edition by Andrew Shahriari