Latin Music Influence

Describe some of the influence of Latin music in the US in the early part of the twentieth century.

Latin music influenced the U.S. in the early twentieth century when Mario Bauza first performed in Harlem New York with a blues and Afro-Cuban mixture. However, he was insulted when he played the pieces but defended his country’s music by claiming how popular it soon would be. He described the music as “lemon meringue pie: jazz at the top and Afro-Cuban rhythm at the bottom.” Soon other groups, like the Havana Orchestra played “Peanut Vendor” in a similar style, and Latin dances became ballroom favorite with rumba rhythms.

What was the significance of "Machito and His Afro-Cubans"?

Machito is the Cuban brother-in-law of Mario Bauza, who had

Actors Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball showed a interracial marriage with a Cuban man and American woman. Broadway musical, West Side Story, voiced many of the struggles with “America” and helped popularize the Mombo in New York. “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White” introduced a new, easier Latin dance, the Cha Cha Cha. Because it had a slower tempo, it broadened Latin music’s appeal to those who could not dance well enough to the Mombo. Soon, programs on the television were utilizing the Cha Cha Cha with guides on how to dance.

How did Latin music influence rock music?

The 1960s changed the music scene when the Beatles came to United States and rock music took over. However, even there songs “Twist and Shout,” revealed Latin influences within the mechanics of their bass chords, guitar riffs, and percussion rhythms. They also worked with recording artists and producers close to the Palladium, many who have heard Latin music all their lives. Latin music was extremely influential and universal in the 50s; therefore, it served as a base for other upcoming genres. For example the song “Louie Louie” was based off of a Cha Cha Cha song, as evident in its rhythms.

Why do you think Latin music had such a great influence on the development of popular