I. Latin American music represents the Hispanic culture of the artist.

II. The artists express individuality influenced by the region they came from, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Chili, or Brazil.

III. While Latin hits top the charts in the United States the musicians influence:

A. Issues surrounding differences in American and Latin culture.

B. Politics and policies in the United States that have had a long

affect on Hispanic social acceptance issues.

IV. Critics review the increase in popularity of Latin music as temporary and will decline in time stating. An essential element of a great era is rated by the amount of time the musician spends in the studio.

A. Lengthy production time will cause a decline in sales.

B. BMG and EMI are two of the famous music labels making investments in the Latin Music craze.

Kryzanek, Micheal J. U.S. - Latin American Relations New York: Praeger, 1985.

he music industry has experienced a drastic impact as a result of the rise in Latino Music. The increased popularity shows a rise in CD purchases, Latino stardom, and the ethnic values of an old culture. The impact has also influenced relations between the United States and Latin America. The cultural expression in the music and popularity of artists have paved the way, or broken the ice for the Latin image in the United States and surrounding continents. Author John Lannert, whose works are the most up to date on the subject asks the question "...will the current passion for Latino artists be ultimately deemed a summer fling?" (Lannert, Latin).

---. U.S. Latin Market Slows a Bit After Explosive Growth. 4 Sept. 1999. Billboard. 4 Oct. 1999

By making chart-topping hits, the musicians will begin to lead diverse attitudes towards the importance of social issues surrounding American and Latin culture. From the beginning, Latin music started with the Inca's use of instruments with a combination of other very different cultures. The Indies had their own type of music and so did the [black culture]. (Wilgus 109) Because of the vastness in diversity "new musical characteristics were introduced (Wilgus 109)." As a result, different regions of settlement produced various types of music. The combination of musical instruments between the Latin American culture with Incas and Mexican natives. "The Incas used instruments, such as drums, whistling jars, pipes, rattles, whistles, etc., while in Mexico the natives used the drums, horns, seashells, and the flute (Wilgus 109)." When they added strings to the bass and treble the Latin beat began to form.

Michael J. Kryzanek, a professor of political science and Carribean specialist stated in his book, U.S. - Latin American Relations:

Social, and Cultural Events from 1492 to the Present New York: Barnes, 1963.

In order to examine the effects of this trend, one must understand where this culture has originated their music expres

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1400
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)