In the last half century, Latin music has risen from the barrios of New York, Los Angeles, Miami and the Mexican border cities to become a defining sound of the new USA and the world beyond. A new four-part BBC Four series – Latin Music USA – screening in January and February, reveals the stories behind this rise and the music and stars it has created.

The first part focuses on the moment when Carlos Santana brought Latin blues to Woodstock in 1969 and turned the heads of a generation. Part two charts the rise of salsa from Havana clubs to New York’s mighty Fania Records with music from Ruben Blades, Willie Colon, Johnny Pacheco and others. The third programme looks at the ever-evolving music of the Mexican borderlands with acts like Los Lobos, Ritchie Valens, Santana and Linda Ronstadt. And the final part reveals the rise of Gloria Estefan’s Miami sound, which paved the way for Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Shakira and the new Latin sound of reggaeton. In its breadth, this series pays tribute to a Latin music scene that is fast coming to define modern pop music today.

Two concerts curated in association with the BBC will take place at London’s Barbican on January 24-25 to complement the series

www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour

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Tags: bbc, latin music