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North America / United States

Record labels that bet on the first Latin singers in the United States

Currently, visiting a nightclub in the US and listening to a bachata or merengue song is totally normal. The assistants, regardless of their nationality, will end up dancing and chanting the melodies. However, a few years ago it was not this way. Find out which labels made this a reality.

Latin music came to the United States around 1930 thanks to the bolero. Its growth continued to rise within its borders passing through salsa, chachachá and merengue; until genres such as bachata and Latin jazz became popular in order to position themselves as they are today. To a large extent, social networks have contributed to the projection of today’s artists. For the most part, they create strategies that increase their reach by improving their sales and reproductions. In 2019, on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, which measures the most popular songs in the United States, there were more Latin songs than ever. A true historical record!

These data were revealed by Leila Cobo, Billboard’s vice president for the Latin market.

In 2018, Latin music rose to the fifth place with the highest demand in the United States, according to the music statistics firm BuzzAngle, in charge of rankings for Rolling Stone magazine.

For many, it is a cause for astonishment and they cannot imagine what the previous story is. The first Latin singers had to go a long way, being rejected in some opportunities but, finally, achieving success on American soil. There is a long list of characters who paved the way for other Latin musicians such as: Héctor Lavoe, Celia Cruz, Rubén Blades, among others.

Another curious fact worthy of consideration corresponds to the companies that were behind these releases: the record companies. Those record labels that dared to try a foreigner with a proposal in a language other than the United States; They trusted and believed in his talent. Part of this musical revolution, it is thanks to them and their directors.

Record labels that bet on the first Latin singers in the United States

Fania Records

In 1964 this project was born in New York City. It was founded by the American businessman, producer and promoter, Jerry Masucci and the Dominican musician Johnny Pacheco.

Pacheco is one of the most influential figures in Caribbean and Latin music. He is a composer, director, arranger; he specializes in Cuban and Caribbean music such as salsa. This singer also had to go step by step within the US market, train in its streets and go after recognition. In 1960 Pacheco y su Charanga was created, a band that reached more than 100,000 copies on its first album. Alegre Records was the label they signed with. His fame led him to visit countless countries. His experience in the industry made his wish he could help others. After creating Fania Records, he was recognized for promoting the careers of many young artists.

The name of Fania Records was taken from a Cuban song by Reinaldo Bolaño. In part, their great popularity was due to their promotion of salsa. The label supported the greats of the show such as: Rubén Blandes, Willie Colón, Tito Puente, Bobby Valentin, Ray Barretto and Héctor Lavoe, among others.

Alegre Records

It was founded in 1956 by Al Santiago, the owner of a record store in the Bronx. It specialized in products born in the 1950s.

Alegre Records represented, for the most part, Latin music singers. In addition, opening its doors to greats such as Tito Puentes, Johnny Pacheco, founder of Fania Records, Eddie Palmieri. In 1975 it was acquired by Fania Records.

Capitol Records (EMI Latin)

It is an American record company that opened its doors in 1942. Its founders were Johnny Mercer and Buddy DeSyIva, American singers. Today it is owned by Universal Music Group, one of the world’s leading record labels. In most cases, it focused on genres typical of its borders. However, they gave their support to the American with Mexican roots, Selena and the Dominican Juan Luis Guerra.

Discos CBS International

At first it was located in Coral Globes and then it was transferred to the city of Miami. Discos CBS supported bands like Miami Sound Machine, in which the renowned singer and songwriter Emilio Estefan participated. In 1991, it was acquired by Sony. It is one of the best known for being part of the CBS television network (Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc). It was founded in 1962 by Harvey Schein. Discos CBS is active despite the number of years since its inception. He is dedicated to different genres, without neglecting music in Spanish.

Warner Music Latina (WEA Latina)

It is a label belonging to Warner Music Group, one of the world powers in the field. Warner Music Latina emerged in 1987 and focused on Latin productions, giving the opportunity to artists such as the Puerto Rican, Olga Tañón. It was the label that gave her her first opportunity as a solo artist with the album Sola (1992), making her a Platinum Record recipient. At present, it has branches in different countries of the world. It has production and publication of music, recorded music and services for artists.

RMM Records

It was an independent record company that operated in New York City until the late 1990s. It focused on salsa, merengue, and Latin jazz productions. He worked with artists such as Marc Anthony, Tito Puente, Cheo Feliciano, Tito Nieves, Celia Cruz, Óscar D´León, among others. RMM Records went bankrupt due to legal problems with artists and a millionaire lawsuit filed by singer Glenn Monroig. In 2001 Universal Music acquired the RMM records catalog. A lot of

Over the years, the American music industry was increasingly influenced by songs in Spanish. Those who do not speak the language have commented that they are attracted to the catchy rhythm and do not hesitate to dance them non-stop. The US public has become less skeptical of Latin rhythms. Recording industry experts say it is due to the rhythms and their proximity to the songs in English.

The creation of platforms such as YouTube and the appearance of streaming platforms has given greater openness to the market. More and more Latinos are succeeding in the US and record companies are deciding to finance their projects.

Merlin, a specialized agency, has been in charge of bringing together different independent record companies and managing the collection of income derived from streaming platforms. Half of the record labels associated with Merlin are American. On the other hand, the number of clicks and visits obtained by Latin songs on video platforms such as YouTube and Vevo are increasing, especially in the case of audiences in the US The number of new immigrants and young people must also be considered. Born to Latino or Latin American parents.

The market continues to bet on Latin music. In fact, in the United States there are a large number of stations focused on this type of music. Users can request the songs of their choice and enjoy them at any time of the day.

What will be the next step for songs in Spanish within the United States?

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The success of Latin Music in the United States

Some artists have taken Latin music to another level. They fell in love with the public on American borders and helped shape the market as we know it today. We will tell you more details!

Latino immigrants who made their way into the United States gave way to Hispanic music as it is known today.

The Argentine tango, for example, was a success in the US in 1930 and is considered the first Latin genre to have participation on American soil. As you can imagine, from then on a movement was born that is here to stay. At the end of the 90s, this musical boom finished exploding. The numbers were increasing and more and more artists were honoring their Latin roots.

Currently, the industry numbers give prominence to Latin artists, having a greater incidence when they present their songs in Spanish. Also, there are a large number of versions that have been translated into English and are heard in renowned venues. In fact, it is enough to go to a nightclub or a Latin concert in iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden, located in New York or American Airlines Arena in Miami to check acceptance by the public. How much ground have they gained to have a leading role in the most powerful country in the world?

The road has not been easy, it has been marked by countless artists who, little by little, were making known the rhythms of Caribbean countries. Salsa, for example, was one of the most popular rhythms at the time. Starting in 1960, it was catapulted into the United States, paving the way for Latina artists who are now considered legends of the genre. Celia Cruz, Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, Johnny Pacheco, among others, marked a before and after in the industry.

Today we want to talk about some famous singers who set the tone and promoted the careers of other Hispanics.

6 Latino artists who paved the way for new generations

Emilio Estefan, Cuba

The Cuban was born in 1953 and arrived in the United States at the end of 1960, from Spain. Estefan always had musical interests. Although, in principle he had to work in other areas. He formed the band “Miami Latin Boys”, which would later be called “Miami Sound Machine”. Thanks to his different presentations, he met Gloria Fajardo, today known as Gloria Estefan, who accompanied them as vocal reinforcement. No one imagined that this singer would become their life partner.

Despite the success of the group, it is other achievements of the artist that place him in this category. Emilio Estefan soon established himself as a producer for Latin American artists and contributed to Gloria Estefan’s success as a soloist. He quickly became known within the industry, working with artists such as Charliee Zaa, Cristian Castro, and Carlos Vives.

In 2002, Estefan became a producer for the Latin Grammy Awards, an annual event that awards artistic excellence for productions in Spanish, Portuguese or other languages ​​of Hispanic countries.

Emilio Estefan and his wife have been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the United States, the highest honor in the country, due to their work in the training of artists and projection of Latin music in the world.

Celia Cruz, Cuba

Celia Cruz, began her career in her native Cuba. She excelled in tropical music and was known as “The queen of salsa.” During her first years of career, she stood out in her country, and later ventured into Mexico and the United States. She moved to the US and at the end of the 70s she joined the Fania All-Stars, along with other artists, fully joining salsa. In 1987, her star was debuted on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Cruz is part of a legacy that will continue throughout history. Her songs remain current and are part of the heritage of Latin America. She was nominated for two Grammys and three Latin Grammys.

The Postal Service of the United States included it in a selected group of five stamps, destined to the greats of Latin music; together with Selena, Tito Puente, Carmen Miranda and Carlos Gardel.

Selena, Mexico

The singer was born in the United States and was of Mexican descent. Her genre leaned toward ranchera, Mexican cumbia, and ballads. Selena is known as “the queen of Latin music” and has exceeded 70 million records worldwide.

In the 1990s, the US Billboard magazine named her “the most influential and best-selling Latin artist.” In addition, she is credited with catapulting Latin music in the United States and the world. Selena featured five albums ranked on the Billboard 200 at the same time. Her album Live (1993) won a Grammy for best Mexican-American music album, leaving behind the paradigms of those who considered the Tejano musical style as exclusive to men.

Selena was murdered in 1995. A great loss to show business. Her fans still regret her departure and imagine what she could achieve thanks to your talent. However, it leaves a very broad legacy for Latinos. After her death, she continues to be an example and inspiration for those who want to enter the market.

Juan Luis Guerra, Dominican Republic

Juan Luis Guerra is one of the most recognized Latin artists in the world. In the United States, he has been the recipient of 24 Latin Grammys, three Latin Billboard Awards and two American Grammys. He has recorded in Portuguese, English and, of course, in Spanish.

She trained at the largest private music college in the world, Berklee College of Music, in Boston. Earning a degree in jazz composition.

Guerra has made different tours of the US obtaining a box office record. He is a recognized exponent in the genre of merengue and bachata. In 2015, he collaborated with the financing of the Juan Luis Guerra Scholarship, presented by the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation for a low-income student.

The singer is of Dominican origin and today he works as a composer, arranger, musician and producer.

Héctor Lavoe, Puerto Rico

Considered one of the best salseros of all time. He is credited with helping to bring about the genre’s golden age in New York. In addition, to expand the popularity of salsa in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

In New York City, he takes his first steps as a bolero vocalist to make his way in what would be a great musical career. The Puerto Rican’s success kept on rising, he sang with the famous Willie Colón and together they toured different stages. Lavoe was also part of the Fania All Stars, a salsa and Latin music group. The Singer, as he was also baptized, died on June 29, 1993. He left an unforgettable musical legacy in the United States and the world; his songs and style are inspiration for many salsa performers today.

Marc Anthony, United States

For many, it could come as a great surprise that an American artist has such a marked and extraordinary Latin musical rhythm. However, his parents are Puerto Rican and he grew up with part of this culture. Marc Anthony is a singer of ballads, pop, salsa and bolero; ambassador of Latin music and culture.

When he began his career, many doubted whether he would be successful in Latin music.

“My career was not easy at first, because I neither looked nor sounded like the ‘typical salsero’. My sound was not considered usual for purists, ”he told The Associated Press.

The singer and actor has sponsored young talents such as Luis Figueroa, a Latino who was just beginning his career in the artistic medium. In addition, it has sold more than 30 million records around the world. Received 2 Grammys and 7 Latin Grammys. Marc Anthony has many fans worldwide. However, Latinos have a very special appreciation for him. In 2012, he started the Maestro Cares Foundation, to raise funds to build orphanages in Latin America.

If we wanted to mention those musicians to whom the expansion of Latin music is due, the list would be endless. Infinity of people who overcame cultural barriers to carry the name of their country, its rhythms and culture high. Currently, the city of Miami is considered as the starting point. The first contact of the young musicians, before venturing to the rest of the country. In addition, the same experts call it “the epicenter of the Latin industry.” This is due to the number of media, producers, multinationals and locals that are willing to open their doors to them and boost their talent.

Latin music represents an industry that does not stop, is profitable and is taking more and more space in the United States. Therefore, a decline is not expected in the coming years.

 

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