Rock en español

Rock en español is Spanish-language rock music. While the term is used widely in English, it is used in Spanish mainly to distinguish such music from "Anglo rock". It is a style of rock music that developed in Spain, Latin American countries and Latino communities, along with other genres like Caribbean ska, reggae, and soca. Successful musicians and bands playing in this genre are often noted for being "crossover" artists, as this genre inherently bridges both linguistic and cultural boundaries.

History

Regional scenes (1950s–1970s)

Spanish-speaking rock music began in the late-1950s, through listening to performers like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Bill Haley, who popularized rockabilly in the United States. In 1958 California-born Ritchie Valens covered the Mexican folk song "La Bamba", popularizing Spanish-language rock music throughout Latin America. That year, Daniel Flores, another son of Mexican immigrants born in California, often called the "Godfather of Latin Rock", performed his hit song "Tequila", introducing this music to the United States. In a sense they were creating their own "Refried Elvis" ("iQue viva el rock!"). The new sound immediately struck the attention of the middle and upper class.

Rock en Español (disambiguation)

Rock en Español may refer to:

  • Rock en español, Spanish-language rock music
  • Rock en Español: Lo Mejor de Cuca, a 2001 album by Cuca
  • Rock en Español, Vol. 1, a 2007 album by Los Straitjackets
  • Podcasts:

    PLAYLIST TIME:

    Latest News for: rock en español

    How Maná’s Alex González learned of the band’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination

    Daily Breeze 25 Mar 2025
    As the rock en español scene brought more and more Spanish-language acts to the United States, Maná’s 1992 album “¿Dónde jugarán los niños?” broke out as a critical and commercial success ... Arena rock champions. Rock Hall nominees.

    Maná desbanca a Bruce Springsteen y habla del Salón de la Fama del Rock

    San Diego Union-Tribune 21 Mar 2025
    “¡Y cantando en ... El mes pasado, Maná fue uno de los 14 nominados al Salón de la Fama del Rock & Roll para 2025, convirtiéndose en el primer grupo completamente en español en recibir una nominación.

    Maná hará historia en Chicago con su gira ‘Vivir sin aire'

    Chicago Sun-Times 15 Mar 2025
    No es sólo por su nominación al Salón de la Fama del Rock and Roll que los hace la ... Así fue que Sombrero Verde fue una de las primeras bandas del rock en español cuando aún no era una tendencia o moda.

    Nathy Peluso has found her musical language

    The Los Angeles Times 11 Mar 2025
    One of the most indelible moments of “Calambre,” her debut album, is the song “Buenos Aires” — a nostalgic ode to the city that she left behind, with clear nods to the funkified rock en español sonics of 1980’s South America.
    • 1
    ×