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Latin music has made a significant impact on the American music scene, influencing various genres and enriching the musical heritage of the country. Iconic albums such as Celia & Johnny by Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco, as well as breakthrough hits like Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina,” exemplify the vibrant contributions of Latin artists to the broader American songbook.
Each year, the Library of Congress strategically selects 25 recordings for preservation, highlighting works deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant to the fabric of American life.
On April 9, the National Recording Registry honored two prominent Latin songs: Vicente Fernández’s enduring ranchera classic “El Rey” and Freddy Fender’s bilingual country ballad “Before the Next Teardrop Falls.” The Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, emphasized the importance of these recordings, stating, “These are the sounds of America—reflecting our rich and diverse history and culture.”
Last year, the registry included Juan Gabriel’s deeply emotional “Amor Eterno” and Héctor Lavoe’s vibrant salsa anthem “El Cantante.” Congressman Joaquin Castro, an advocate for increasing the representation of Latin music in this registry, noted that an induction into the National Recording Registry is a highly esteemed recognition in the musical world.
Established under the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, this prestigious registry has celebrated over twenty pieces of Latin music and artists of Latin descent. The journey began in 2002 with Tito Puente’s groundbreaking album Dance Mania (1958), and since then, subsequent entries have included the revolutionary album Abraxas by Santana and the celebrated Buena Vista Social Club from 1997, which introduced Cuban son to American audiences. Ritchie Valens’ 1957 rendition of “La Bamba” also reshaped a traditional Mexican folk song by celebrating the fusion of American rock with the son jarocho style.
Congressman Castro articulated a broader message regarding Latino representation in American media, stating, “Latinos make up 20 percent of the United States population, yet only a small fraction of the titles on the registry stem from Latino artists.” He believes that focusing on this registry allows for greater acknowledgment of the contributions Latinos have made to the American music landscape.
In the following sections, we outline the Latin music highlights from the registry, presenting them chronologically according to their induction dates.
Freddy Fender, “Before the Next Teardrop Falls”
Year of Induction: 2025
Year of Release: 1975
Freddy Fender’s emotionally charged bilingual track became a timeless classic, breaking new ground for Latin representation in country music, charting at No. 1 on both the Hot Country Songs chart and the Billboard Hot 100.
Listen to the song here.
Vicente Fernández, “El Rey”
Year of Induction: 2025
Year of Release: 1973
“El Rey” stands as a quintessential piece of regional Mexican music, showcasing themes of resilience and pride. Vicente Fernández turned the composition by José Alfredo Jiménez into a landmark of his career and a symbol of his lasting impact beyond his passing in 2021.
Listen to the song here.
Héctor Lavoe, “El Cantante”
Year of Induction: 2024
Year of Release: 1978
“El Cantante” is emblematic of the salsa genre’s prominence during the 1970s in New York City, capturing the essence of a vibrant musical movement.
Listen to the album here.
Juan Gabriel, “Amor Eterno”
Year of Induction: 2024
Year of Release: 1990
Juan Gabriel’s passionate ballad continues to resonate with audiences, emphasizing the lasting legacy of his music. His son, Ivan Gabriel Aguilera, expressed deep appreciation for this acknowledgement of his father’s work, emphasizing the enduring legacy of his music.
Listen to the album here.
Daddy Yankee, “Gasolina”
Year of Induction: 2023
Year of Release: 2004
“Gasolina” achieved a historical milestone as the first reggaetón song to be inducted into the National Recording Registry, signifying recognition of the genre’s impact.
Listen to the song here.
Cuarteto Coculense, The Very First Mariachi Recordings
Year of Induction: 2023
Year of Release: 1907-1909 (reissued 1998)
Mariachi music has become instrumental to American culture, with widespread educational programs and performances becoming commonplace across the United States.
Listen to the album here.
Irene Cara, “Flashdance…What a Feeling”
Year of Induction: 2023
Year of Release: 1983
Sung by Irene Cara, whose roots include Puerto Rican and Cuban heritage, “Flashdance… What a Feeling” offered a fresh energy to pop music in the 1980s. The song became a critical component of the Flashdance soundtrack, achieving a No. 1 ranking on the Billboard charts.
Listen to the song here.
Buena Vista Social Club, Buena Vista Social Club
Year of Induction: 2022
Year of Release: 1997
The inclusion of the Buena Vista Social Club in the Registry serves as a recognition of the significant cultural impact the album had, bridging gaps between Cuba and the wider world and inspiring a global renaissance of Latin music.
Listen to the album here.
Linda Ronstadt, Canciones de Mi Padre
Year of Induction: 2022
Year of Release: 1987
Linda Ronstadt’s Canciones de Mi Padre is a tribute to the traditional mariachi music that shaped her early musical identity. Her vocal exploration further expanded the reach of Latin music within mainstream American culture.
Listen to the album here.
Ricky Martin, “Livin’ la Vida Loca”
Year of Induction: 2022
Year of Release: 1999
Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ la Vida Loca” is often credited for bringing Latin pop into the mainstream, solidifying his status as a major crossover artist in the late ’90s. The song’s infectious rhythm captivated audiences, topping the charts for five weeks.
Listen to the song here.
Flaco Jiménez, Partners
Year of Induction: 2021
Year of Release: 1992
Flaco Jiménez’s Partners illustrates his role in bridging diverse musical styles. The album features collaborations with various artists across genres, highlighting his extensive influence and versatility as a musician.
Listen to the album here.
Ritchie Valens, “La Bamba”
Year of Induction: 2019
Year of Release: 1958
Originally a folk song rooted in Mexican tradition, Ritchie Valens’s interpretation of “La Bamba” creatively fused rock and traditional son jarocho, marking a milestone in music history.
Listen to the song here.
Selena, Ven Conmigo
Year of Induction: 2019
Year of Release: 1990
Ven Conmigo served as a pivotal entry in Selena’s discography, amplifying her status as a leading figure in Tejano music and showcasing the cultural significance of her work.
Listen to the album here.
Canario y Su Grupo, “Lamento Borincano”
Year of Induction: 2017
Year of Release: 1930
This poignant track captures the heartfelt lament of the jíbaro, reflecting on the cultural legacy and narrative of Borikén, Puerto Rico.
Listen to the song here.
Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You”
Year of Induction: 2017
Year of Release: 1987
“Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” encapsulates the vibrant energy of Miami’s Cuban influence on the R&B scene, showcasing Gloria Estefan’s significant contributions to this musical crossover.
Listen to the song here.
Santana, Abraxas
Year of Induction: 2015
Year of Release: 1970
Santana redefined Latin rock with Abraxas, further amplifying the fusion of rock and Latin musical traditions that began to take shape in the late ’60s and early ’70s, garnering significant acclaim.
Listen to the album here.
Joan Baez, Joan Baez
Year of Induction: 2015
Year of release: 1960
Joan Baez, a Mexican American folk singer, became a central figure in the folk revival of the 1960s. Her self-titled album showcases her influential role in this transformative musical period.
Listen to the album here.
Celia Cruz & Johnny Pacheco, Celia & Johnny
Year of Induction: 2013
Year of Release: 1974
Celia & Johnny serves as a foundational work in salsa music, illustrating the variety and depth found in the genre itself and underscoring Cruz’s integral role in bringing diverse Latin rhythms to the mainstream.
Listen to the album here.
Cachao Y Su Ritmo Caliente, Descargas: Cuban Jam Sessions in Miniature
Year of Induction: 2012
Year of Release: 1957
Israel “Cachao” Lopez sought to emulate the collaborative energy of jazz sessions, fostering creativity among Cuban musicians and reflecting the dynamic soundscapes of Havana.
Listen to the album here.
Lydia Mendoza, “Mal Hombre”
Year of Induction: 2010
Year of Release: 1934
Lydia Mendoza’s poignant “Mal Hombre” captures the heart of traditional Mexican American music, and her performance at President Jimmy Carter’s inauguration highlights her importance in American cultural history.
Listen to it here.
Eddie Palmieri, Azúcar Pa’ Ti
Year of Induction: 2009
Year of Release: 1965
Eddie Palmieri’s work exemplifies the rich intersections between Puerto Rican and American jazz, playing a significant role in the evolution of the salsa movement.
Listen to the album here.
Carmen Miranda, “O Que É Que A Baiana Tem?”
Year of Induction: 2008
Year of Release: 1939
Carmen Miranda’s lively performance of “O Que É Que A Baiana Tem?” exemplified the exuberance of Latin music in America, characterized by her vibrant stage presence and striking attire.
Listen to the song here.
Rita Montaner / Don Azpiazú and His Havana Casino Orchestra, “El Manisero (The Peanut Vendor)”
Year of Induction: 2005
Year of Release: 1927 and 1930 (two versions)
“This song marks a historic moment in music, representing the first authentic Latin dance style recorded in America,” noted the National Recording Preservation Board, showcasing the introduction of Cuban rhythms to American audiences.
Listen to the track here.
Dizzy Gillespie Big Band with Chano Pozo, “Manteca”
Year of Induction: 2004
Year of Release: 1947
“Manteca” is an impactful example through which Afro-Cuban influences found their way into mainstream jazz rhythms, marking an important point in the fusion of musical styles.
Listen to the song here.
Trovadores Regionales, “Gregorio Cortez”
Year of Induction: 2004
Year of Release: 1929
“Gregorio Cortez” showcases the tradition of storytelling through music, narrating an iconic tale that reflects life in the borderlands.
Listen to the song here.
Fania All-Stars, Live at Yankee Stadium
Year of Induction: 2003
Year of Release: 1975
The Fania All-Stars concert at Yankee Stadium was a groundbreaking event for Latin music, marking a historic moment in its popularization throughout the United States.
Listen to the album here.
Tito Puente, Dance Mania
Year of Induction: 2002
Year of Release: 1958
Dance Mania played a critical role in popularizing Latin rhythms and the dance culture in America, becoming a vital reference point in the history of Latin music.
Listen to the album here.
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