Hispanic Heritage Month: 25 Defining Moments for Latin Music

Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing, taking place from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The month-long celebration is recognized in the United States to honor the contributions and influence of Latin culture in the country. Latin music’s impact and influence is no exception.

For many years, Latin music has played a key role in shaping what is considered mainstream culture today, with dozens of milestone moments throughout the years — from West Side Story landing on Broadway in the 1950s (with a storyline that focuses on New York’s Puerto Rican immigrants experience) to Daddy Yankee‘s “Gasolina” fueling a global reggaetón movement in the early 2000s.

Most recently, Karol G‘s history-making Mañana Será Bonito stadium tour, in support of her Billboard 200-topping album by the same name, became the highest-grossing Latin tour by a woman in Boxscore history. Additionally, in 2023, Latin music revenues in the United States hit an all-time high last year, exceeding the $1 billion mark on the wings of 24% growth that outpaced the overall market. For a second year in a row, Billboard reported in April that Latin music revenues once again exceeded the $1 billion mark on the wings of 16% growth.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, take a look at 25 defining moments for Latin music in the United States.

Billboard Latin Music Week is returning to Miami Beach on Oct. 14-18, with confirmed superstars including Gloria Estefan, Alejandro Sanz and Peso Pluma, among many others. For tickets and more details, visit Billboardlatinmusicweek.com.