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.

3“Garota de Ipanema,” Antonio Carlos Jobim & Vinicius de Moraes

“Garota de Ipanema,” Antonio Carlos Jobim & Vinicius de Moraes

With its soothing bossa nova and jazz sound, “Garota de Ipanema,” or “The Girl from Ipanema” is Brazilian music that swept the rest of the world. It was composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim, and written by Vinicius de Moraes; the song (which won 1965 Grammy for Record of the Year) has been sung by several artists, including Astrud Gilberto, Ella Fitzgerald, Shirley Bassey, The Supremes, and Peggy.