New Mexico music facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New Mexico music |
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People dancing during an Al Hurricane and Al Hurricane Jr. concert, at the San Felipe de Neri Church fiestas in Old Town Albuquerque (2014)
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| Stylistic origins |
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| Cultural origins | 13th century: Pueblos 16th century: Nuevo México, New Spain 1960s: New Mexico, United States |
| Typical instruments |
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| Regional scenes | |
| Southwestern United States (esp. New Mexico) | |
| Local scenes | |
| Albuquerque and Santa Fe | |
| Other topics | |
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New Mexico music (also called música nuevo mexicana in Spanish) is a special type of music. It started in the US state of New Mexico. This music mixes sounds from different cultures.
It began with the Pueblo people's music around the 13th century. Later, it blended with folk music from Hispanos in the 16th to 19th centuries. Over time, it also took ideas from Mexican folk and cowboy Western music.
After New Mexico became a state, this music became very popular. Many groups enjoyed it, including Pueblo, Navajo, Apache, and Neomexicano people. In the early 1900s, Country music and American folk music sounds were added. The 1950s and 1960s brought in Blues, Jazz, Rockabilly, and Rock and roll. By the 1970s, New Mexico music was a big part of popular music in the state. Artists like Al Hurricane became famous. Their songs were played on local radio stations like KANW. They even gained international fans through shows like the Val De La O Show.
The sound of New Mexico music is easy to recognize. It often has a steady beat from drums or guitar. It uses instruments from Pueblo, Western, Norteño, Apache, Country, Mariachi, and Navajo music. The steady rhythm comes from Apache, Navajo, and Pueblo music. The different speeds come from traditional Ranchera rhythms. These include the polka (fast), the waltz (medium), and the bolero (slower).
Singers in New Mexico music use many languages. They often sing in Mexican or New Mexican Spanish. They also use American or New Mexican English. Sometimes, they mix both in Spanglish. Native languages like Tiwa, Hopi, Zuni, and Navajo are also used.
Contents
History of New Mexico Music
The musical story of New Mexico is very old. It goes back to before European settlers arrived. The unique sounds of New Mexico music started with the ancient Anasazi people.
Early Sounds and Instruments
Some of their music might still be heard today. This is in the traditional songs of the Pueblo people. They used wind instruments like the Anasazi flute. The Navajo and Apache people also contributed with their chants and drum beats.
Spanish and Mexican Influences
When the Spanish came to New Mexico, they brought new music. They introduced liturgical music (church music). They also brought instruments like the violin and the Spanish guitar. From Mexico, traditions like Mariachi and Ranchera were added.
American Frontier Music
Later, when New Mexico became a US territory, more music arrived. People from the American frontier brought Country and Cajun music. This mix of styles led to the first forms of New Mexico music. Western music was a blend of Country and Cajun. It was played with Mexican and Native American instruments.
Modern Popularity
After New Mexico became a state, the music was sung at parties and in homes. It was a traditional folk music. In the 1950s and 1960s, it grew into a popular music style. By the 1970s, radio stations like KANW began playing Spanish-language New Mexico music.
Famous Songs and Albums
Many recordings of New Mexico music have been released. Smithsonian Folkways has several albums. These albums share traditional New Mexico songs.
Notable Albums
Some of these albums include:
- Spanish and Mexican Folk Music of New Mexico (1952)
- Spanish Folk Songs of New Mexico (1957)
- Music of New Mexico: Native American Traditions (1992)
- Music of New Mexico: Hispanic Traditions (1992)
These albums feature songs like "Himno del Pueblo de las Montañas de la Sangre de Cristo." They also include "Pecos Polka" and "It's Your Fault That You're Looking for Your Horses All Night." Famous New Mexico musicians like Al Hurricane and Sharon Burch are on these albums.
Artists and Collections
Other artists have also used New Mexico music in their work. Country artist Michael Martin Murphey released an album called Land of Enchantment. Songs like "Land of the Navajo" used instruments common in New Mexico music.
John Donald Robb collected many recordings. He left about 3,000 field recordings of New Mexican and Native music. You can listen to some of these songs online at the UNM Center for Southwest Research.
New Mexico Music on the Radio
Radio stations play a big role in sharing New Mexico music. They help people discover new artists and enjoy classic songs.
Key Radio Programs
- New Mexico Spanish Music is a show on KANW in Albuquerque. It plays both old and new Spanish-language New Mexico music. This show started in 1973. KANW also has Native Music Hours and Friday's Top 15 at 5:00 Countdown.
- KLVO (FM) (known as "Radio Lobo") is a station in Belen. It plays New Mexico music along with Regional Mexican music.
- KNMM broadcasts mostly New Mexico music. It covers the Albuquerque metropolitan area. They also broadcast New Mexico State University Aggies games.
Awards and Recognition
New Mexico music is celebrated with special awards and events. These help new artists and honor those who have made great music.
Annual Music Events
- KANW creates annual album series. One is New Mexico Music, which features new songs from independent artists. Another is New Mexico Spanish Super Stars, with a mix of old and new Spanish songs. KANW also has albums like Oldies and Songs of the Native Land.
- Los 15 Grandes de Nuevo México is an annual concert and album series. It highlights the top songs in the genre. Awards are given to musicians during this concert.
