Women who redefined Latin music  

Music Journalist

Marissa Quiroga

Historically, the music industry, particularly Latin music, were performed by men. These following artists have truly reshaped Latin music by defying a male dominated genre. After countless efforts to break into the music industry, these artists have earned recognition and redefined music, paving a way for future Latin artists to continue thriving on a global stage. 

 Celia Cruz: 

Known as the “Queen of Salsa”, Celia Cruz popularized her sound using afro-Cuban style like guaracha, rumba, son, and bolero. After becoming the lead singer for La Orquesta Sonora Matancer, in the 1950’s this paved their way to global success. Due to the Cuban dictatorship, Cruz brought salsa music to New York. Songs like “La Vida es un Carnaval” and “Quimbaya”, have defined salsa.  

 Gloria Estefan  

Gloria Estefan and the Maimi Sound Machine popularized “Latin pop” by infusing Cuban rhythms and mainstream American pop.  Following their ninth album, “Primitive Love”, featuring single “Conga”, gained a spot for Latin music on the Billboards top100. Successfully crossing over Latin music gained her the title, “Queen of Latin Pop”.  

 Selena  

Becoming one of the best-selling Latin artists, she left a lasting impression, despite her career being cut short. The Texas native used traditional styles of mariachi, cumbia, and Tejano to pop and rock influences. Selena earned a Grammy win in 1994 for Best Mexican- American album for “Selena Live”, making her the first female Tejano artist to do so. By blending English and Spanish expanded her mainstream success, later earning the title of “Queen of Tejano Music”  

 Jenni Rivera 

Although traditional norteño music was purely performed by men, Jenni Rivera fought instinctively to establish her voice. Referred to as “La Diva de la Banda”, for commanding dominance in the genre. Her music became inspirational with tracks like “Las Malandrinas” and “La Gran Senora” which empowered women.