Tropical music has played a fundamental role as a unifying element within the Hispanic community in the United States, bringing with it rhythms that evoke our roots and culture.
QuéOnnda.com would like to highlight five essential tropical music artists who have left an indelible mark on this genre.
Celia Cruz
Known worldwide as “The Queen of Salsa”, Celia Cruz is an undisputed legend of tropical music.
Born in Havana, Cuba in 1925, she began her career in the 1950s as a vocalist of the Sonora Matancera, one of the most emblematic groups of Cuban music.
Her powerful voice, unmatched energy and charisma made her a global icon.
Life is a carnival and you have to live it singing
Celia Cruz
After emigrating to the United States in the 1960s, Celia continued her rise, collaborating with such notables as Tito Puente, Johnny Pacheco and Willie Colón.
His legacy includes unforgettable hits such as “Quimbara”, “La Vida es un Carnaval” and “Ríe y Llora”.
Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including several Grammy and Latin Grammy awards.
His influence endures, inspiring new generations of artists and tropical music lovers.
Juan Luis Guerra
Dominican Juan Luis Guerra has been an exceptional ambassador of merengue and bachata on the international scene.
Born in Santo Domingo in 1957, Guerra studied music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he honed his skills as a composer and arranger.
Together with his band, 440, he revolutionized Latin music with emblematic albums such as “Ojalá que Llueva Café” and “Bachata Rosa”.
His poetic lyrics and infectious melodies have earned him multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy awards, consolidating him as an influential figure in Latin music.
Songs such as “Burbujas de Amor”, “La Bilirrubina” and “Frío, Frío” are testimony to his talent and versatility.
In addition to his musical success, Juan Luis Guerra is known for his philanthropic work, supporting various social and humanitarian causes.
Willie Colón
Nicknamed “El Rey del Trombón”, he is a salsa pioneer who has fused Afro-Caribbean rhythms with jazz and other genres, creating an innovative style that has left an indelible mark on tropical music.
Born in the Bronx, New York, in 1950 to Puerto Rican parents, Colón immersed himself in the city’s vibrant Latin music scene from an early age.
At the age of 15, he signed with Fania Records, where he began a fruitful collaboration with vocalist Héctor Lavoe.
Together, they produced classics such as “El Malo”, “Calle Luna, Calle Sol” and “Periódico de Ayer”.
In addition to his musical prowess, Colón has been a committed activist, participating in social and political causes that affect the Latino community in the US.
Rubén Blades
Originally from Panama, Rubén Blades is known for his socially conscious lyrics and his ability to tell stories through salsa.
Born in Panama City in 1948, Blades moved to New York in the 1970s, where he joined the booming salsa scene.
His collaboration with Willie Colón resulted in iconic albums such as “Metiendo Mano!” and “Siembra”, the latter considered one of the best-selling salsa albums of all time.
Songs such as “Pedro Navaja”, a narrative about life in urban neighborhoods, and “Plástico”, which criticizes the superficiality of society, highlight his lyrical talent and social commitment.
In addition to his musical career, Blades has been involved in politics, serving as Panama’s Minister of Tourism, and in acting, participating in several film and television productions.
Marc Anthony
He is considered the ambassador of modern salsa, taking the genre to new heights and global audiences.
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Born Marco Antonio Muñiz in New York in 1968 to Puerto Rican parents, Anthony grew up immersed in the city’s rich Latin music culture.
He began his career in freestyle and house music before embracing salsa, where he found his true niche.
His album “Todo a Su Tiempo” catapulted him to fame, followed by hits such as “Contra la Corriente” and “Amar Sin Mentiras”.
With her powerful voice and stage presence, she has conquered stages around the world.
Among his most emblematic songs are “Vivir Mi Vida”, “Valió la Pena” and “Y Hubo Alguien”.
Throughout his career, he has won multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy awards, establishing himself as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Latin music.
These five artists have contributed significantly to the development and popularization of tropical music, not only within the U.S. Hispanic community, but also globally.
Their legacies continue to inspire new generations and keep the rich tradition of tropical music alive.
