Spanish is the language of 400 million people approximately! It may not have the universal appeal that English language has, but you cannot underestimate Spanish language at all. It is the second or third most-spoken language of the world!
Spanish is an Indo-European language originated in Spain and eventually became the main language of the Kingdom of Castile. Spanish spread into America, Asia Pacific and Africa between the 15th and 19th centuries with the expansion of the Spanish empire to those regions.
Spanish language and literature is quite rich and developed; you will find stories, short-stories, prose, drama and lyrics with the touch of romanticism and realism in Spanish language. Among all the elements of Spanish literature, arts and culture, music holds the center-role. Spanish music is appreciated all over the world. People of different countries listen to Spanish songs despite the language barrier. Rock in Spanish, called as Rock en Espanol in Spanish, has a huge audience across the globe.
Latin America is all about rhythm and Latin Rock is a blend of Latin American instrumental beats. Percussion, drum kit, piano etc. are the common instruments used in Latin rock.
Latin rock musicians have been showing a clear inclination to fuse cultural and linguistic culture divisions from the time it was originated. And the tradition is still going on.
Carlos Santana is said to be the father of Latin rock. Carlos created the style by the end of 1960s. However, the style underwent some changes in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Here the new style was introduced by the musicians of the time - Aterciopelados and Jaguares are two of them.
Chicano rock is a popular variant of Spanish rock. Mexican Americans are very much fond of Chicano rock. This style is mostly performed by Mexican Americans. However, there are Chicano rock singers and groups that do not even sing in Spanish language. Yet, it is considered a variant of Rock en Espanol.
Spanish rock and roll bears resemblance with the traditional rock and roll music and the culture of the land where Spanish language was originated like Cumbia, Ranchera, Rumba, Tango etc. Perhaps the rebellious approach and the use of Spanish instruments make Spanish rock and roll so popular.
Rock music of countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Philippines, Guatemala, Mexico, Uruguay and Venezuela are said to be the siblings of Spanish rock. The influence of Latin music, style, instruments and culture is prominent in them.
Enrique Bunbury, Luz Casal, Deluxe, Cristina Llanos and Amaia Montero are some of the Spanish rock singers and musicians whom people love to listen to. And they will carry the Rock in Spanish or Rock en Espanol to the next generation with all its beats, notes, tunes and rhythm intact.
previous post