Celebrating Latinx in Rock

There are  misconceptions in modern culture that rock is a predominantly white genre and that Black and Latino people only listen to and create rap, hip hop and reggaeton. However, Chuck Berry, a Black man, is considered the father of rock and roll and has been followed by legends such as Fats Domino and Little Richard. Traditional American Rock’s influence trickled down to Latin America and Spain, creating subcultures for new types of rock in Latinx spaces such as “Rock en Español” and “Chicano Rock.” These genres weren’t necessarily created after the American rock scene, but were rather thriving simultaneously

 The division from the original American Rock sound was caused not only by the difference in the language, but the way Latin rock incorporated Romani and Caribbean sounds into the genre. Sandro de America was one of the most notable artists to first do this, gaining him the notoriety of the “Elvis Argentino.”

However, the continental segregation of the generes soon came to an end with Ritchi Valens’ hit song in America. Veln’s song “La Bamba,” was able to bridge Rock en Español and American Rock together and the genre has remained harmonized to this day. Latino influence in American Rock is thriving and prevalent in musical influence. From Santana’s influence on classic rock, to the members of emo rock in Pierce the Veil, to even some of Shakira’s pop-rock songs. Latinx influences can be seen in the foundations of the genre, and they are destined to stay in more contemporary ways.

Today, there is a thriving rock scene in most Latin American countries with rivalling subgenres of devoted punks, emos, and metalheads in local venues. Though there are a myriad of genres that Latinx and Hispanics have created that should also be celebrated, their stamp on rock history should not be erased. If you are looking for current rock and indie bands that have Latinx representation to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, I would recommend checking out: Divino niño, Chicano Batman, Los Bunkers, and the all girl band Nasty Cherry. 

Latinx have created their own subgenres of rock, infiltrated traditional American Rock spaces, and continue to propel the genre in innovative ways. It’s time to ditch the stereotype that rock only caters to white dads, and realize that Latinx people can show out in the pit, the same way they can show up for Reggaeton night.