The 50 Best Latino Singers of All Time!

Shakira:

Besides proving that her “Hips Don’t Lie,” Shakira has become one of Latin pop’s biggest female crossover stars thanks to her unique hybrid of pop, rock, and Middle Eastern influences. The Colombian singer has won a total of seven Latin Grammys and two Grammys including “Best Latin Pop Album of the Year” for her “Shakira: MTV Unplugged” album. Forbes may have deemed the "Waka Waka" singer the fourth top-earning female musician in history, but the generous 35-year-old is known for giving back to her community through her foundation Pies Descalzos. In 2011, Shakira was added to The Hollywood Walk of Fame after selling an estimated 70 million albums worldwide. Now that’s something to sway your hips to! 

Paulina Rubio:

Love her or hate her, Paulina Rubio can be considered the Britney Spears of the Spanish-pop world. Also known as La Chica Dorada, Rubio made her first musical debut in the popular 80’s kid’s band Timbiriche. Since her debut album “La Chica Dorada” in 1992, Rubio has proved that you can have an attitude and still be loved by millions. Her golden success was especially undeniable in her latest album “Gran City Pop,” which snagged a Grammy nomination for “Best Latin Pop Album” and landed the number one spot on Billboard’s “Hot Latin Songs.” She has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. We have a feeling her career is going to keep shining bright for years to come. 

Jennifer Lopez:

Throughout the years, Jennifer Lopez has made her transition from fly girl to actress, and singing sensation look so seamless. The "Do It Well" singer may get criticized by some for her lack of singing ability, but the Boricua pop star from the Bronx has always let her chart-topping success do all of the talking. While her debut single "If You Had My Love" helped put her on the map, her second studio album "J.Lo" sold 8 million copies and hit number one on Billboard Hot 200. Her musical evolution has been tied to her high-profiled romances as much as her stylish looks, and we can’t wait for her latest album "LOVE?," which is said to be inspired by her public split from husband Marc Anthony. Whether it’s for her vocals, dramatic lyrics, or her pop dance beats, we guarantee that everyone will stop to listen.  

Ricky Martin:

Everyone knew Ricky Martin was destined for greatness since his boy-band Menudo days. Fast forward over a decade later, and the Puerto Rican pop star was "Livin' La Vida Loca" and swaying his hips for the world to see. His self-titled English album sold over 22 million copies and brought him global success. The world hasn’t stopped talking about Ricky Martin since! He earned his spot on The Hollywood Walk of Fame and continues impressing fans with his latest album “Música + Alma + Sexo.” Now the multifaceted star is giving Broadway a spin while performing in the classic “Evita.” Viva Ricky Martin!

Romeo Santos

The Bronx native has tapped into the ultimate formula for chart-topping success in his debut album Formula, Vol. 1, which features addictive bachata hooks and lyrics that leave you hooked on his every word. Aventura’s former front man has proved that he is The King of Kings thanks to his multiple wins at the Latin Grammys and Latin Billboard Awards. He is also currently nominated for a 2013 Grammy for “Best Tropical Album of the Year.”

Thalia

The Mexican singer started honing her performing skills at the tender age of 9 before joining the popular 1980’s group, Timbiriche. Since then, she has reportedly sold over 40 million albums worldwide and is considered one of the best-selling Latin musicians of all time. She also as a Hollywood Walk of Fame star to prove it! 

Kat De Luna

Hailing from New York, this Dominicana perfected her impressive soprano range at the New Jersey School of the Performing Arts. The petite opera-trained artist is known for the chart-topping success of the dance hall track, "Whine Up." Five years after her debut, De Luna is slated to release her new album, Viva Out Loud, later this year. 

Natalia Jimenez

Known as the lead singer of La Quinta Estación, Jimenez’s signature voice and eclectic style quickly led to a successful solo career.  In 2009, the Spanish singer dominated the charts with her collaboration with Marc Anthony for the romantic song, “Recuérdame.” She also delivered a memorable Latin Grammy performance with Ricky Martin for his single, “Lo Mejor De Mi Vida Eres Tú.” Last year, she also walked away with a Premio Lo Nuestro award for “Breakout Artist of the Year.” 

Montserrat Caballe

This Grammy-winning opera singer is world-renowned thanks to her 30-year experience on stage. Known for her flawless soprano range, the 79-year-old Spanish lead has performed over 80 roles in her lifetime. Talk about impressive!

Juanes

Who doesn’t love the Colombian roquero? After his debut album in 2000, Fijate Bien, won him a Grammy Award for “Best New Artist,” the pop star has dominated the charts and recruited millions of fans worldwide.  After several hit albums, Juanes maintained his global domination by topping the universal charts with his single, "Me Enamora," which hit number one in 14 countries. Thankfully, his commercial success isn’t over yet. 

Julio Iglesias

This Spanish singer is the original Don. Known for his romantic ballads and elegant demeanor, Julio has been serenading fans since the 1970’s. He has sold an impressive 250 million albums worldwide and released over 80 records to date. His son, Enrique Iglesias, definitely had an amazing role model! 

José José

It’s Valentine’s Day everyday in José José’s world. His jazz background helped him develop a light lyric tenor vocal range in his romantic ballads, which led to his immense popularity starting in the 1970’s. The Mexican singer is now known as one of the most influential icons in Latin music history. A few years ago, he was awarded a star on the coveted Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Willie Colón

A typical family party soundtrack always includes this pioneer of Latin American music. The Puerto Rican prodigy started playing the trumpet at the age of 12, and later also learned how to play the trombone. Hailing from the Bronx, Colon was responsible for adding a New York-sound to traditional salsa music. He obtained a musical fellowship from Yale University and eventually lent his musical talent to the Fania All Stars group, which included, Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, and Celia Cruz. In 2004, he was honored at the Grammys with the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Jenni Rivera

La Diva de la Banda captivated audiences with songs about personal triumph, love, betrayal, and perseverance. Her life may have been cut short, but her legacy will live on in her music. Her tenth studio album, Jenni quickly climbed to the number one spot on the charts back in 2008. Since then she has sold over 50 million albums worldwide. Her latest album, La Misma Gran Senora, which was released just two days after her passing, made it to the number one position on the Latin Billboard charts. Later this year, the Rivera family plans on releasing her English-language pop album in her honor.  

Prince Royce

The bilingual bachatero stole our hearts when he first hit the charts with his self-titled album in 2010. Since then the Dominican singer from the Bronx has ruled the charts with his sophomore album, Phase II, which produced hits including, "Incondicional." Earlier this year, Royce took home eight awards and beat the King of Bachata, Romeo Santos, in the “Album of the Year” category for his self-titled album. We can’t wait to see what else he has in store for us!

Julieta Venegas

The Mexican singer and songwriter made her mark in the Latin alternative scene in the early 1990s. By 2003, she developed her sound and took more of a pop/rock direction for her third album, Sí. Julieta’s musical abilities are as impressive as her hit songs. She’s known for writing and singing her own songs, as well as playing various instruments including the guitar, accordion, and keyboard.  Talk about multi-faceted! 

Alejandro Sanz

The Spanish heavy-hitter is known for his airy voice and creating hits out of playful hybrids of various genres including, flamenco, hip-hop, tropical, pop, and rock. After ten studio albums, he has won fifteen Latin Grammy Awards and three Grammy Awards. He also broke records after winning the Latin Grammy Award for “Album of the Year” three times.

Mercedes Sosa

The late Argentinean singer began her singing career at the age of 15 and was soon named “the voice of the silent majority” thanks to her strong dedication to charity work and producing meaningful tracks with a proactive message. She was responsible for the “nueva canción” movement in the 1960’s, which was soon ceased by Chilean President Salvador Allende. She was later arrested for her political activism, but she continued to spread her message through her music. Besides winning several Grammys, she was also an ambassador for UNICEF. 

Chavela Vargas

The veteran singer was known for her beautifully tender voice and canciones rancheras. The Mexican singer started singing at the age of 30 and soon toured throughout Latin America. The Costa Rican-born artist was honored with the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. She passed away due to heart and respiratory issues five years later. 

Sérgio Mendes

This Brazilian singer and musician is Timeless. The Grammy Award-winning artist has produced over thirty-five albums, and is known for his unique bossa nova sound, which is heavily influenced by funk, hip-hop, and jazz. 

Soraya

The Colombian artist was gone too soon. She passed away from breast cancer in 2006, but made sure to leave a lasting impression in Latin music. In 2004, her self-titled album won a Latin Grammy Award for “Best Album by a Songwriter.” A year later, she won another award for “Best Female Pop Vocal Album” for El Otro Lado de Mí.. Her legacy will live on in her music. 

Pablo Milanés

The Cuban singer-songwriter is known as one of the founders of the nuevo trova style of music. He produced classics inspired by Cuban and Brazilian beats including, "Para Vivir" and “Yo amo esta isla.”  

Marco Antonio Solis

From his days in Los Bukis or solo career, there’s no denying that this Mexican singer has immeasurable raw talent and star power. He has been romancing fans since the 1990’s and plans to continue his serenades with his new album, Gracias Por Estar Aqui.Since claiming his domination, he has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and produced more than 300 tracks. Pretty impressive! 

Olga Merediz

The Cuban Broadway star knows how to dominate a live stage and owns it! The Tony Award-winning performer is best known for her role as Abuela Claudia in Lin Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway Show, In The Heights. However, the talented Latina also has a long roster of credits including, Mamma Mia!, Reckless, and Les Misérables. 

Alicia Villarreal

Christina Aguilera isn’t the only blonde petite powerhouse! This Mexican singer’s strong vocals are featured in ranchera-style songs that hit straight to the heart. Starting her music career as the lead singer in the band Grupo Limite, Alicia eventually parted ways from her band members and jumpstarted a solo career, which led to her winning a Latin Grammy. Because of her hard work, she is now dubbed as La Jefe of Regional Mexican music. 

Sara Ramirez

She may be known as Dr. Callie Torres in the ABC series, Grey’s Anatomy, but this Irish and Mexican American actress can sing! Back in 2005, the Juilliard alumni mesmerized audiences as the Lady of the Lake in the hit Broadway musical, Spamalot. She snagged a Tony Award for “Best Featured Actress in a Musical.” 

Bianca Marroquin

The trained dancer, singer, and actress is a triple-threat worth keeping your eyes on. The Mexican-born star has starred in several musicals including, Rent, The Phantom of the Opera, and Chicago. She is best known for her Broadway performance as the sassy and cunning Roxie Hart in Chicago. 

Juan Diego Florez

The talented Peruvian tenor is known as one of the best opera singer’s hailing from his native country. His robust vocal power was developed at a young age when he received a scholarship to The Curtis Institute in the 1990’s. One of his mentors was Ernesto Palacio, also a famous Peruvian opera singer. Looks like he took good notes!

Hector Lavoe

The Puerto Rican singer is classified as one of the greats and paved the way for singers like Marc Anthony. His powerful vocals filled with melancholic soul drew a lot of inspiration from his personal struggles and battle with drugs. Despite his tragic ending, the singer was part of the Fania All Stars, which also included Celia Cruz, and is known as one of the most prominent salsa singers of his time. 

Carlos Santana

Let’s face it – Santana is undeniably one of the great guitarists of all time. The Mexican musician learned to play the guitar at the age of eight and has rocked it ever since. In 2000, he snagged eight Grammys including, “Record of the Year” and “Best Rock Album” for the hit album "Supernatural." The rock legend managed to tie the record with Michael Jackson for the most Grammys won by a single performer for that year. No one does it better than Santana! 

Los Tigres del Norte

Norteño bands have come and went, but Los Tigres have remained in the spotlight since the 1960’s. A staple within the regional Mexican genre, the band has won five Latin Grammys and sold over 32 million albums over the years. The five-person group also advocates for immigration rights and joined the national boycott against Arizona’s Senate Bill 1070, which denies illegal immigrants basic human rights. Los Tigres del Norte will always be a force to be reckoned with. 

Gilberto Santa Rosa

No one sings boleros like Gilberto! The Puerto Rican singer was part of the Puerto Rican All Stars back in the 1980’s. Once he went solo, he produced hits including, “Vivir Sin Ella” and “Punto de Vista.” Since 2010, he also held the record for having the most number one hits on the Billboard Latin charts. 

Rubén Blades

Over the years, the 64-year-old singer and composer has earned his title as an icon on the Latin jazz genre. His love for his roots also shined through when he wrote, “Patria,” which is considered the second national anthem for many Panamanians. He has produced over 40 albums since the 1970’s and continues to be a major influence in Latin music to date. 

Oscar D’León

When your nickname is “El Diablo de la Salsa,” you know you did something right! The Venezuelan singer is known for belting out emotional lyrics for hits like, "Llorarás," which he recorded in 1975 and is still an all-time favorite for many Latin music lovers.

La India

The Puerto Rican-born singer who later immigrated to the Bronx, has a mind-blowing vocal range that is identifiable the instant she’s on the airwaves. From freestyle to reggaeton, La India has covered it all, but the genre that has brought her the most success is salsa. So much so the legendary Celia Cruz named her the “Princess of Salsa.”

Olga Tañón

The 45-year-old singer is a pro at getting the party started! Olga is known to her fans as “The Woman on Fire,” a name that was given way before Alicia Keys came up with the song title. The Puerto Rican singer known for hits like, "Una Nueva Mujer" and "Asi Es La Vida," has earned two Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy Awards in the span of her career. 

Wilfrido Vargas

The Dominican singer has produced over 20 albums since the 1970’s, and he hasn’t showed signs of stopping! The talented artist plays the flute, guitar, and trumpet on top of composing and producing his own merengue music. In 1990, he was nominated for a Grammy for “Best Tropical Latin Performance.” 

Las Chicas del Can

Who can forget this all-female merengue group? Las Chicas del Can jumped on the scene in the early 1980’s and quickly earned a large fanbase for their catchy songs and dance moves. Although the band had several members throughout the years, the most success set included, Míriam Cruz, Eunice Betances, Theresa Domínguez, and Veronica Medina.  

Lucero

Whether she’s performing ballads, pop songs, or Regional Mexican classics, this Mexican beauty always delivers. Going by Lucerito when she was younger, she established herself as a pop star with major vocal ability at a young age. She has recorded hits in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, and has sold over 27 million albums worldwide. 

Tito Puente

No one made us want to mambo more than the late Tito. The Harlem-born Puerto Rican musician was nicknamed the King of Timbales for his outstanding longevity behind the drums and his energetic aura onstage. The musical prodigy perfected his masterful skills at Julliard School of Music and was known for his fusion of Afro-Caribbean beats and jazz rhythms. During his career that spanned over 50 years, Puente won six Grammy Awards for his albums including “Best Latin Performance” for "Mambo Diablo" and "On Broadway." He won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement a few years after his tragic death in 2000.