[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 90 (Thursday, May 23, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3887-S3888]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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 SENATE RESOLUTION 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''

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

                              S. Res. 702

       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

[[Page S3888]]

     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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