20 Iconic Songs that are Built Into the Fabric of Latino Culture

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Music is a part of a culture’s identity. It plays during gatherings, becomes tied to several memories, and unites people who don’t know each other personally, but perhaps share a common ethnicity. The Latinx culture does not compromise when it comes to music. There are songs that, no matter how old, fill us with emotion, and make us dance. We have them memorized word for word, beat-by-beat, our mothers, tias and best friends always sing along.

11“El Cantante,” Hector Lavoe

“El Cantante,” Hector Lavoe

You can’t have salsa music, without including the legendary Puerto Rican, Hector Lavoe. His song, “El Cantante,” is one of his best-known and loved classics. It talks about the business of being an entertainer and showing a facade, even though there may be pain underneath it. “El Cantante” is also the name of a biopic on Lavoe’s life, starring then-couple Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez.