[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 702 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 702

 Recognizing the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the 
   musical heritage of the United States and designating May 2024 as 
                  ``Latin Music Appreciation Month''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              May 23, 2024

     Mr. Lujan (for himself and Mr. Rubio) submitted the following 
    resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Recognizing the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the 
   musical heritage of the United States and designating May 2024 as 
                  ``Latin Music Appreciation Month''.

Whereas Latin music styles such as rancheras, corridos, mariachi, salsa, 
        merengue, bachata, cumbia, reggaeton, urban, cumbia, tango, and a 
        multitude of others, and their fusion with other genres, such as jazz, 
        rock, hip hop, and pop, have played a pivotal role in enriching the 
        cultural fabric of the United States, influencing everything from music 
        and dance to fashion and entertainment;
Whereas Latin music, characterized by its vibrant rhythms, rich melodies, and 
        diverse instrumentation, encompasses a wide array of musical styles and 
        genres originating from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as 
        their respective diasporas around the world;
Whereas the rich musical traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean were 
        deeply influenced by indigenous cultures, European colonization, 
        particularly Spanish and Portuguese, the legacy of African slavery, and 
        the vibrant cultural heritage of each region and country, all of which 
        contributed to the development of diverse genres in the United States;
Whereas the roots of Mexican music in the United States can be traced back to 
        rich musical traditions that existed in Mexico before the annexation of 
        Mexican territories, including present-day New Mexico, Arizona, 
        California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming, by the 
        United States following the Mexican-American War;
Whereas, throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, various waves of 
        Mexican immigrants came to the United States for work, particularly in 
        agriculture, mining, and railroad construction, settling in regions such 
        as Texas, California, Arizona, and New Mexico, and bringing their music 
        with them;
Whereas Mexican music in the United States encompasses various regional styles, 
        including ranchera, norteno, tejano, conjunto, mariachi, and corridos, 
        originating from different parts of Mexico but popularized and adapted 
        within Mexican-American communities in the United States;
Whereas the lifestyle and the social issues that Mexicans faced are reflected in 
        corridos, a music genre that originated during the Mexican War of 
        Independence and the Mexican Revolution, spreading to the southwestern 
        frontier of the United States and contributing to the development of 
        Tejano and New Mexican music,
Whereas mariachi music stems from the traditional `son jaliscience', and was 
        initially played by field hands working at haciendas and humble street 
        performers, and was subsequently promoted by the Government of Mexico in 
        the early 1920s;
Whereas mariachi ensembles, which can include violins, accordions, trumpets, 
        guitars, and singers, have since been prominently featured in a myriad 
        of cultural celebrations, including birthday festivities, quinceaneras, 
        and weddings, and in prestigious concert halls;
Whereas banda, a style of Mexican music characterized by wind instruments 
        including primarily brass and percussion, has its roots dating back to 
        the mid-19th century, with the introduction of piston brass instruments, 
        as community musicians sought to emulate military bands, and encompasses 
        a fusion of traditional dance rhythms such as polka, cumbia, son, and 
        waltz, and notable performers in the genre include Jenny Rivera, 
        Chalino, Banda MS, and Banda El Recodo;
Whereas Caribbean Latin music has had influences in the United States since the 
        mid to late 1800s, with notable contributions from composers like 
        Ignacio Pineiro, Louis Moreau Gottschalk, and Ignacio Cervantes, whose 
        works helped introduce Latin rhythms and melodies to audiences in the 
        United States;
Whereas the Cuban version of the habanera, exposed to New Orleans in the 19th 
        century, laid the foundation for the appreciation of Cuban, Puerto 
        Rican, and Dominican musical styles in the United States;
Whereas Cuban immigration to the United States, spurred by communism as a result 
        of the Cuban Revolution and the Castro dictatorship, has fostered 
        cultural exchanges that contributed to the development of new musical 
        genres, most prominently in Florida;
Whereas, in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became a 
        United States territory, granting its people citizenship and fostering a 
        unique cultural exchange between Puerto Ricans and individuals in the 
        mainland United States, which culminated in a significant migration wave 
        of Puerto Ricans to cities like New York in the mid-20th century;
Whereas the establishment of Spanish-language newspapers, such as La Prensa in 
        New York City in 1913, contributed to the dissemination of Latin music 
        and culture among tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans and immigrants from 
        Latin America and the Caribbean who migrated to New York City;
Whereas a convergence of Puerto Rican, Cuban, and other Caribbean immigrants, 
        particularly in New York City, infused music in the United States with 
        Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz improvisation and gave rise to the vibrant 
        musical genre of salsa in the United States, which left a lasting mark 
        on the cultural landscape of the United States;
Whereas the introduction of Afro-Cuban music, including the rumba by Don 
        Azpiazu's Havana Casino Orchestra in the 1930s, sparked a Latin music 
        craze in the United States with hits like ``Peanut Vendor'' by Moises 
        Simons becoming national sensations;
Whereas, by the close of the 1940s, Latin music had firmly established its 
        presence in the United States, influencing various genres and becoming 
        an integral part of the musical heritage of the United States;
Whereas Tito Puente, a Puerto Rican musical luminary known as both the ``King of 
        Mambo'' and the ``King of Latin Music'', left an indelible mark on the 
        world of Latin music through his groundbreaking compositions, including 
        the iconic ``Oye Como Va'', famously popularized by Carlos Santana;
Whereas Puente's innovative blend of Cuban and Caribbean sounds such as mambo, 
        son, and cha-cha-cha resonated with mainstream audiences, solidifying 
        his status as a cultural icon both in the United States and 
        internationally;
Whereas, in 1959, Ritchie Valens became a trailblazer in the music industry with 
        his iconic rendition of the song ``La Bamba'' becoming the first Latin 
        song to enter the Hot 100 Billboard chart, marking a significant 
        milestone for Chicano Rock;
Whereas Celia Cruz, the incomparable ``Queen of Salsa'' and a pioneer of Afro-
        Cuban music, infused traditional guarachas with modern flair, elevated 
        the genre to global acclaim with timeless classics like ``La Vida Es un 
        Carnaval'', and left an enduring legacy in the realm of Latin music;
Whereas Celia Cruz served as a musical ambassador with her dynamic performances 
        and impassioned vocals that transcended cultural boundaries, solidifying 
        her status as a global icon;
Whereas Johnny Pacheco, revered as the ``Grandfather of Salsa'', emerged as a 
        leading figure in the vibrant New York salsa scene during the 1960s and 
        1970s, contributing significantly to the genre's development, and served 
        as the musical director of Fania Records;
Whereas Los Tigres del Norte, a Mexican band renowned for their poignant 
        portrayal of social issues and immigrant experiences in the United 
        States through songs like ``La jaula de oro'' and ``America'', have been 
        honored with multiple Grammy awards, contributing significantly to the 
        popularization of the corridos genre within the United States starting 
        in 1968 and continuing to the present day;
Whereas Vicente Fernandez, a singer, actor, film producer, and the ``King of 
        Ranchera Music'', made significant contributions to ranchera music, 
        earning him Grammy and Latin Grammy awards, selling over 50,000,000 
        records, and receiving the title of the greatest Mexican singer of all 
        time by Rolling Stone;
Whereas Alejandro Fernandez, ``El Potrillo'', continues the legacy of ranchera 
        music, having sold over 20,000,000 albums across the world;
Whereas Gloria Estefan, a Cuban-American singer, songwriter, actress, Grammy 
        award winner, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, emerged as a 
        pioneering figure in Latin pop music during the 1980s and 1990s, 
        achieving international acclaim with hits such as ``Conga'' , which 
        fused Latin rhythms with contemporary pop sensibilities, and her 
        contributions to the genre helped propel Latin music into the 
        mainstream;
Whereas Emilio Estefan, a prominent and visionary figure in the Latin music 
        industry, has made significant contributions to the genre as an award-
        winning songwriter, producer, musician, mentor, and entrepreneur, and 
        was the first artist to receive the grand distinction of Person of the 
        Year during the Latin Grammy Awards in 2000;
Whereas, from establishing the Miami Sound Machine to working with renowned 
        artists such as Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, Alejandro Fernandez, Jon 
        Secada, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and Shakira, Emilio Estefan's 
        influence has been instrumental in defining Latin crossover and 
        introducing Latin rhythms and culture to mainstream audiences worldwide;
Whereas Selena Quintanilla, known as the ``Queen of Tejano Music'', left a 
        profound and enduring impact on the United States through her 
        distinctive fusion of Tejano music with contemporary pop and R&B, 
        captivating audiences across the United States and beyond as a Mexican-
        American artist, and her legacy continues beyond the 1980s and 1990s, 
        resonating with fans to this day;
Whereas bachata, with its blend of European, indigenous Taino, and African 
        elements, reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic;
Whereas the pioneering work of the band Aventura, originating in New York, 
        played a significant role in popularizing the genre of bachata in the 
        United States, garnering widespread popularity and acclaim;
Whereas Cuban reggaeton and tropical duo Gente de Zona, which emerged from the 
        streets of the island and is now a world-renowned group, transcended 
        barriers to ignite hope for the people of Cuba with their historic 
        Spanish hip-hop song ``Patria y Vida,'' authored by Yotuel and Beatriz 
        Luengo;
Whereas Mana is considered the most influential Latino rock band and is one of 
        the best-selling Latin music artists in the world, with over 25,000,000 
        records sold worldwide, and was the first band ever to be recognized as 
        Person of the Year during the Latin Grammy Awards;
Whereas Juan Luis Guerra was the first artist ever to receive a Latin Grammy 
        Award during the first televised Latin Grammy Award ceremony for ``Ni Es 
        Lo Mismo Ni Es Igual'';
Whereas Latin music has continued to evolve and incorporate diverse styles and 
        influences from various countries and regions, and has been popularized 
        by artists like Shakira, Mana, Vicente Fernandez, Alejandro Fernandez, 
        Juan Gabriel, J Balvin, Ozuna, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Karol G, Peso 
        Pluma, Pepe Aguilar, and Bad Bunny, among many others;
Whereas Daddy Yankee, a Puerto Rican artist, emerged as a pioneer of reggaeton, 
        a genre blending Caribbean rhythms with hip-hop and reggae influences, 
        and played a pivotal role in elevating reggaeton to a global phenomenon 
        in the early 2000s, with his groundbreaking hits, including ``Gasolina'' 
        and ``Despacito'', the largest globally streamed Spanish song to date;
Whereas the Latin Grammy Award ceremony was the first bilingual primetime 
        program to be aired on an English-language television network in the 
        United States, and it celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024;
Whereas the Latin Grammy Foundation is a global champion for music education and 
        empowers communities through Latin music and culture, successfully 
        cultivating the next generation of Latin music creators through various 
        scholarships, educational programs and grants, and educational 
        opportunities that advance Latin music and its heritage;
Whereas People en Espanol is one of the most trusted voices in Hispanic culture 
        that, for almost 30 years, has celebrated Latin music and culture, 
        covering in its pages and digital space the evolution of Latin music, 
        singers, and musicians who have captivated a worldwide audience;
Whereas Leila Cobo is considered one of the world's leading authorities in Latin 
        music, as the first journalist based in the United States to prominently 
        cover Latin music daily, and has been instrumental in transforming its 
        coverage and perception in the United States;
Whereas, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, Latin music 
        earned a record-breaking $1,400,000,000 in 2023, following all-time high 
        revenues in 2022;
Whereas Latin music artists have significantly contributed to cross-cultural 
        exchanges, civic participation, political movements, and philanthropy, 
        utilizing their influential platforms to advocate for social causes and 
        engage with diverse communities;
Whereas the Hispanic population in the United States has grown significantly, 
        accounting for approximately 19 percent of the total population as of 
        the 2020 Census, and continues to contribute to the rich cultural 
        tapestry of the United States;
Whereas continued influence and cultural exchange between the United States and 
        the Spanish-speaking world, including Mexico, El Salvador, the Dominican 
        Republic, Colombia, Guatemala, Venezuela, Honduras, Argentina, Peru, 
        Brazil, and Spain, continues to elevate the cultural importance of Latin 
        music in the United States; and
Whereas Latino culture, including its vibrant music traditions, is celebrated 
        and honored at events such as Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, 
        Latin music festivals, and other cultural gatherings throughout the 
        United States, showcasing the enduring influence and significance of 
        Latin music and heritage in the society of the United States: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates May 2024 as ``Latin Music Appreciation 
        Month''; and
            (2) recognizes--
                    (A) the importance of music produced, written, and 
                performed by Hispanic and Latino Americans to the 
                musical heritage of the United States;
                    (B) the Hispanic and Latino musical artists, 
                composers, songwriters, and musicians whose 
                contributions to music are underrecognized;
                    (C) the achievements, talent, and hard work of 
                Hispanic and Latino pioneer artists, and the obstacles 
                that those artists overcame to gain recognition;
                    (D) the importance of celebrating and uplifting 
                music made by Hispanic and Latino artists to understand 
                the contributions that Hispanic and Latino artists have 
                made to the fabric of history and art in the United 
                States; and
                    (E) National Hispanic Heritage Month and Latin 
                Music Appreciation Month as an important time to--
                            (i) celebrate the impact of Latin music on 
                        the musical heritage of the United States; and
                            (ii) encourage greater awareness of the 
                        cultural importance and history of Latin music 
                        so that Latino and Hispanic history and culture 
                        can be preserved.
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