Ep 1. Bridges

Latin Music USA season 1 episode 1, named Bridges, takes a deep dive into the history of Latin music and its spread across the United States. From the early 1900s to the 1960s, the episode explores how Latin music made its way into American pop culture and influenced the music scene in the country.

The episode begins with the arrival of Spanish-speaking settlers in the American Southwest in the 1900s. They brought with them traditional Mexican music, which slowly spread across the country through radio and recordings. The episode features interviews with musicians and historians, who take us through the evolution of Mexican music in the United States and how it influenced genres like country and rock and roll.

The episode then moves on to the development of Latin jazz in the 1930s and 1940s. Latin jazz was a fusion of Cuban rhythms and American jazz, created by musicians like Dizzy Gillespie and Chano Pozo. The episode looks at the impact of Latin jazz on American music and how it paved the way for the popularity of other Latin genres like mambo and salsa.

Next, the episode explores the role of Latinos in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Musicians like Carlos Santana and Richie Valens became symbols of the fight for equality, using their music to unite communities and protest discrimination. The episode also looks at the influence of Latin music on other musical movements of the time, like the psychedelic rock scene.

Throughout the episode, we are treated to performances and archival footage of some of the most influential Latin musicians in history. From the early recordings of Lydia Mendoza to the iconic performances of Celia Cruz, the episode showcases the range and diversity of Latin music.

Overall, Bridges is a fascinating exploration of the relationship between Latin music and American culture. It sheds light on the contributions of Latino musicians to American music history and highlights the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration in shaping the sounds we love.