Chicano Music in American-Mexican Culture Essay

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A great number of Chicano musicians have used their traditional Mexican heritage as a source of inspiration. For instance, they have always mixed traditional acoustic sounds with modern vibes in order to produce quality songs.

This approach has encouraged the musicians to produce meaningful songs that can promote their culture. Some great musicians such as Jeffrey Pierce used their cultural heritage to produce the best Chicano songs. Their songs highlighted the experiences and hopes of many Latinos in the country. Selena “produced powerful songs in Tejano genre” (Castro 38).

Many Latino musicians have used different aspects of their cultural heritage in order to become successful. For example, Lalo Guerrero transformed the history and nature of Chicano music. His “achievements in music made him the father of Chicano music” (Castro 39). Guerrero began his career at a very tender age.

In the 1930s, the artist decided to write numerous songs using various Mexican genres. Some of these genres included swing and big band. Many Latino artists embraced such genres during the period. The artist “also expanded his unique repertoire thus producing new songs in different Mexican genres” (Castro 62). The practice made Lalo Guerrero one of the most successful Chicano musicians.

Some Chicano artists and bands produced various rock songs during the 1940s. Such songs borrowed powerful themes and genres from the Latino culture. For instance, some famous artists “such as Ritchie Valens and Joan Baez used their Chicano experiences to produce powerful protest songs” (Castro 66).

Such songs encouraged more individuals to understand the issues and challenges affecting this racial group. Chicano rock music was also common during the 1960s. This kind of music reshaped the experiences of many Latino artists and musicians.

Some musicians such as “Carlos Santana and Los Lobos produced their favorite songs in different Chicano genres” (Castro 54). According to Castro (72), “a great number of Chicano artists embraced different Mexican rhythms in order to become successful”. Such musicians eventually embraced more mainstream music such as blues, country, pop, and rock. This practice encouraged more musicians to produce new music genres that supported the Latino culture.

Some musicians tend to embrace the Chicano culture later in their careers. A good example of such artists is Linda Ronstadt. The musician began her career by producing pop and rock music. She also “produced more opera and country music” (Castro 57). The musician eventually transitioned into her Latino musical roots.

This move made it easier for the musician to produce various songs in different Mexican genres. Such “songs are known as mariachi music” (Castro 83). It is agreeable that many Latino musicians have gained their inspirations from this traditional musical heritage.

This fact is agreeable because many Latino musicians cannot succeed without connecting with their people. The decision to use such traditional heritages makes it easier for them to explore the plight of their people. The approach also encourages them to entertain more Latinos. Their Latino cultural heritage also gives them the best ideas and genres. Such ideas have made it easier for musicians to achieve their career goals (Castro 73).

The artists also get something meaningful from their cultural Latino heritage. This approach has made most of these Chicano musicians successful in their careers. Such artists have also worked hard to represent their socio-cultural values. This strategy makes such songs meaningful and significant in mainstream society.

Works Cited

Castro, Rafaela. Chicano Folklore: A Guide to the Folktales, Traditions, Rituals and Religious Practices. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000. Print.

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