Roberto Carlos, Ruben Blades, Myriam Hernandez & More Nominated for Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame

By Leila Cobo
The Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame officially set forth its third year of operations with the announcement of finalists for the third annual La Musa Awards 2015. The eventual winners will be inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame in a ceremony on Oct. 15 at the Jackie Gleason Theater in Miami Beach.

A total of 12 nominees were announced in both the performers (or singer/songwriters) and non-performers categories. Names included Joan Sebastian, Myriam Hernandez, Roberto Carlos and Ruben Blades in the performers category and Lalo Schifrin, Leo Brouwer and Ramon Arcusa in the composers category.

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10 Great Latino Albums of 2014

Source by Sandra Guzman

Some of the most notable Latin music recordings of 2014 celebrated and explored major themes—culture, race, national and ethnic identity and the sacred-- in all of their complexity. Even while singing or rapping to social and environmental injustice and exploitation, the thought-provoking music of new artists as well as Latin music legends provided lots of opportunities to dance, think, chill, or rock out.        
There were some fantastic collaborations that delved into love, romance, tradition, politics and the sacred, making 2014 a year of smart, elegant, and phenomenal music.        

Rootsy without being corny, the rich sounds, fusions, and rhythms of Latin America and the Caribbean are all present in these picks--from bachata, folk, Latin jazz and flamenco to merengue, experimental, alternative rock, sugary pop, salsa and bomba y plena.        

There was so much amazing music recorded by Latino artists; we highlighted 10 albums to give you a taste of what 2014 sounded like.

 

Listen to the music here.

[Music] Latin Music We Loved In 2014: Texas Heat and Miami Soul

Source by NPR Staff

Throughout 2014, our friends Jasmine Garsd and Felix Contreras over at NPR's Alt.Latino have dropped by Weekend Edition to share new records they love with us.
This week, they're giving us a recap of their favorite artists of the year, from a soulful Miami singer who is taking a page from Janis Joplin, to a young Mexican American DJ who is mixing genres with surprising results.

Don't forget to let us know what your favorite records were this year, and check out Alt.Latino's complete list here.

Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe: Salsa's Original Gangsters

Source by Angel Diaz

 

Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe were very instrumental in Salsa's success during the late '60s and throughout the '70s and '80s. Under the banner of Fania Records, this duo pushed the boundaries of traditional Salsa, and, in turn, became worldwide superstars, touring Central and South America, and cities all across the Eastern Hemisphere, most notably, Paris.

To get a grasp of just how big these guys were, consider this: The Fania All-Stars shut down Yankee Stadium in 1973. The damage the stadium sustained during the show, caused by those in attendance dancing the night away, put Bronx Bombers' last month of home games in jeopardy. It was an electric time in New York City. Willie's revolutionary trombone-backed production shifted Salsa's mambo and boogaloo (Latin R&B) to a more street-oriented sound, with lyrics that reflected the harsh realities many artists skirted around. With the help of Hector's beautiful voice, the duo were able to have commercial success and still stay street.

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[VIDEO] Bamz On Using 'N' Word: "Latinos & Blacks Are The Same"

Source by Marjua Estevez

Newly signed to Duck Down Records, East Harlem spitter Bodega Bamz stopped by DASH Radio to chat about being single, groupies, his love for his native borough and his views on Latinos using the word “n*gga.”

“Spanish and Blacks, we the same,” he explained. “Where I come from, we’re the same. So to me, that word is not derogatory when a Latino says it.”

Of course, what Bamz meant when he said “Spanish” was “Latinos,” perhaps “Hispanic.” But not persons from Spain.

But what say you? People of all shades and ethnicities agree the ‘n’ word should be put to rest, Black people included. While some urge our generation to do away with the historically racist term, many remain it is an expression of endearment when distinguished from “n*gger.” 

Watch the video here.

[Video+Music] Top artists to watch at Vive Latino 2015

Source By Eduardo Stanley 

Vive Latino, the most important music festival in Latin America, will take place in Mexico City March 13, 14 and 15, 2015. With names such as Siddhartha, Jimmy Page and Aterciopelados, the lineup was already announced and tickets went on sale right after.

Thousand of people from Mexico, USA and Latin America attend this annual musical event in part due to the organizers’ ability to bring a stylistically eclectic lineup, mixing traditional rock with the newest musical trends, and both local and international artists as well as a good combination of different generations of artists sharing stages.

Click here for show lineups and tickets. 

[MUSIC] Alt.Latino's Favorite Latin Music Of 2014

Source by JASMINE GARSD

As 2014 begins to wind to a close, Alt.Latino is spending this week looking back at our favorite artists of the year. It's an unusually varied list, and not just musically: Heavy-hitting veterans are included alongside new artists we expect to make a huge splash in 2015. As always, this list can't possibly be definitive, especially in a year with so many excellent releases. So help us out: What were your favorites this year?

List to the music here.

[VIDEO] Pitbull's Latino-themed jokes at the American Music Awards not appreciated

Source by Fox News Latino

Pitbull brought some Latino flavor when he took the stage to host the American Music Awards for the second consecutive year. But for some viewers, the Miami rapper left a sour taste in their mouths.
The show started with a burst of energy thanks to Taylor Swift’s on fire, almost literally, performance of “Blank Space,” but when the Cuban-American rapper took the stage for his intro, it just fell flat “Mr. Worldwide” spent a good portion of his introductory monologue with Latino-themed jokes including poking fun at President Obama’s recent immigration action.

“Now, you all know I’m Cuban, but remember America, not all Latinos are Mexican,” Pitbull said. “We got everybody here tonight – black, white, pink, purple, orange, Asian, Latino – and guess what, President Obama said we can all stay. God Bless America.”

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Watch the video

 

Univision searches for ultimate Latino boy band

Source by Juan Fernandez Gonzalez

Univision Communications has opened online auditions to select the first participants for La Banda, a reality TV show developed by the US Hispanic network, Fremantle Media Latin America and Syco Entertainment.

La Banda aims to create the world's ultimate Latino boy band via a massive search in the US. Contestants will compete for a place in a band called La Banda and for a coveted recording contract with the Sony Music Latin label (home to many Latin music artists) along with Simon Cowell's Syco Music, One Direction's record label.

"I'm very excited about this show. There is a huge amount of talent out there and La Banda is going to give five guys the opportunity of a lifetime," commented Simon Cowell.

"We are proud to start the search for the next great Latino boy band," added Alberto Ciurana, president for programming and content at Univision Communications. "There is vast talent in our community and with La Banda we will find and launch the next generation of musical superstars."

The first phase of the auditions will take place online, with interested parties submitting information to the site LaBandaoficial.com. The best contestants will receive a ticket to take part in a private audition in front of the production team. The online casting will be followed by casting events across the United States and Puerto Rico in the spring of 2015.

"The launch of Labandaoficial.com is the first step in what I know will be more than a television show but a life-changing experience for many young talents, and one that will change the Latin music industry," said Alejandra Espinoza, who will be the host of the Univision show.

Latin Grammys 2014: Marc Anthony, Carlos Vives, Juanes, Rubén Blades

                                                          Source by Melissa Castellanos

Latin Grammys are almost upon us and fans in the U.S. and around the world are getting amped for a night filled with the best in the industry -- Latin artists who bring the traditional-to-contemporary, smooth Latin beats and rhythms, rich cultural components and some killer rhythm to boot!
The Latin Recording Academy recently announced that Latin Grammy winners and current nominees Marc Anthony, Carlos Vives, Juanes, Rubén Blades, Carlos Franzetti and the 2014 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat will perform for its milestone 15th anniversary on Nov. 20.
Also on the stellar Latin line-up includes current nominee Carlos Santana, who will perform for the first time with Latin Grammy-winner Pitbull, which was previously announced by The Latin Recording Academy. The legendary guitarist, who still continues to wow, has two nominations for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album for "Corazón" (Deluxe Version) and Best Long Form Music Video for "Corazón: Live From Mexico - Live It To Believe It."

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Pitbull performs with Carlos Santana at Latin Grammys

Source by WENN.COM

Latino superstars Pitbull and Carlos Santana are set to team up for an electric performance at the Latin Grammy Awards. The two stars' set at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on 20 November (14) will be one of many collaborations on the night, including the TV debut of Pepe Aguilar and Miguel Bose. 

Guitar great Santana has two nominations for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album and Best Long Form Music Video for Corazon: Live From Mexico - Live It To Believe It. Pepe Aguilar is nominated for Best Ranchero Album for Lastima Que Sean Ajenas. Actress Jacqueline Bracamontes will co-host the event, which will air live on America's Univision network. The telecast will be distributed internationally to more than 80 countries.

Pitbull to perform at Cowboys' stadium for Thanksgiving halftime show

Source by Dallasnews

Pitbull is coming back to Dallas to do another Thanksgiving show during a Dallas Cowboys halftime.

The rap star will perform during halftime of the Dallas Cowboys game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 27.

That's pretty perfect timing since his new album Globalization is slated to release on Nov. 24. 

The pop star performed with Enrique Iglesias at the stadium for Thanksgiving in 2011. According to a release from the Cowboys, Iglesias is not mentioned as a co-performer, despite the fact they are on tour together this month and performed Friday night in Dallas at American Airlines Center.

Pitbull's new album reportedly includes collaborations with Chris Brown, Jennifer Lopez, Sean Paul, Jason Derulo, Bebe Rexha, Claudia Leitte, G.R.L., Dr. Luke, Cirkut, Sermstyle, Lifted, Kinetics, Wallpaper and more.

He will be part of the The Salvation Army show that launches the red kettle campaign, which raises millions of dollars throughout the holiday season.

Past performers included: Selena Gomez, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Daughtry, The Jonas Brothers, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Destiny’s Child, Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes, Creed, Jessica Simpson, Billy Gilman, Clint Black, Randy Travis and Reba McEntire.

Pitbull's real name is Armando Christian Perez.

Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull $ Shakira Make THR's "Top 25 Latinos in Entertainment" List

Source by Music TImes

The Hollywood Reporter released a list of the Top 25 Latino individuals who are impacting entertainment right now, noting the continual growth of the Latino population in the United States and how that growth will impact all entertainment industries will be impacted as these trends continue. 

The music industry wasn't particularly well represented on the list but that says more about the worth of the film and television industries more than it does about Latino involvement in music. 

HERE is the list.