Latin rock facts for kids

Latin rock is a type of music that combines the energy of rock music with the traditional sounds of Latin America and the Caribbean. It often features songs sung in Spanish or Portuguese. This style brings together different cultures through music.

The Story of Latin Rock

Latin rock became very popular in the United States and other parts of the world around 1969. This was after a famous band called Santana released their first album.

Santana: A Rock Legend

American band Santana in 1971

The most famous Latin rock band was led by a talented musician named Carlos Santana. His band, Santana, was incredibly popular from the late 1960s into the early 2000s. They sold over 90 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music groups ever!

Santana's Unique Sound

Santana's music was a special mix of many styles. They blended Latin American and Caribbean rhythms with soul music, jazz, funk, blues, and rhythm and blues. All of these sounds were built on a strong rock music foundation. This mix created a truly unique and exciting sound.

Why English Lyrics Were Important

For Santana to become so widely known, they often used English lyrics in their songs. Fifty years ago in the United States, singing only in Spanish would mostly limit their audience to people from places like Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Cuba. By singing in English, they could reach a much larger audience and become famous all over the world.

Learn More

• In Spanish: Rock latino para niños