Latin music is part of the cultural fabric of America. Two new books from Leila Cobo and Betto Arcos show how far back that history goes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We dive back in time to understand the roles women have occupied in Latin music, and look forward at the artists blazing new trails — pushing progress for both female instrumentalism and the entirety of Latin music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week we present stories of the pandemic from NPR, StoryCorps and the University of Texas to remember a year of loss and hope.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Bobi Céspedes' spiritual presence is as joyful as her voice. On this episode, the singer shares her music and connection to her African roots.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week's episode examines the story of the force behind a social movement. Johnny Pacheco crafted a legacy of cultural pride and stellar musicianship for Fania Records, imprinting his own genius in the minds and hearts of generations of musicians to come in the process.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Mexican Institute of Sound's Camilo Lara invites us to Distrito Federal by taking us on a tour of his past, including a party at Prince's Paisley Park.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Chick Corea's music has been such a big part of our lives. Arturo O'Farrill, Sofía Rei, Haydée Milanés, Rubén Blades and many others share what his music meant to them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's been a while, so the digital mail bag of new music has been piling up. Hear new music from Bomba Estéreo, Magos Herrera, Diamante Eléctrico and more! Songs featured on this episode: • Gustavo Cortiñas and Desafío Candente (feat. Xavier Quijas Yxayotl), "Abya Yala"• Salt Cathedral (feat. Ximena Sariñana), "Te Quiero Olvidar" • Magos Herrera, "La Creación de las Aves"• Bomba Estéreo, "Agua" • Nancy Sanchez, "Hasta Que Todos Estemos A Salvo" • Ani Cordero, "Es Amor"• Jessica Medina, "Hope/Esperanza"• Natalia Clavier, "Brillar"• Jarana Beat, "Aquel Pasado"• Diamante Eléctrico , "Suéltame, Bogotá"Follow our latest faves: npr.org/altlatinoplaylistLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Gustavo Santaolalla — musician, producer, film and video game composer — embodies Duke Ellington's highest praise: "beyond category."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Cuban drummer and Guatemalan film composer offer deeper understandings of the creative process and how cultural influences shape their creative output.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy