National Hispanic Heritage Month started on Sept. 15 and continued until Oct. 15 to celebrate Hispanic Americans’ contributions and influence they have made in the U.S. One way to celebrate is by supporting Hispanic artists and musicians. 

Hispanic music is internationally loved by those of different identities and languages. For those who identify as Hispanic, it can be a way to connect with one’s own culture and identity. Here is a list of artists whose music connects with listeners new and old. 

Bad Bunny

Reggaeton and Puerto Rican pop artist Bad Bunny has been significant to Hispanic people internationally. With 64 million monthly listeners on Spotify as of October, and the release of his last album “Un Verano Sin Ti” garnering two billion streams that shattered records for the most streamed songs in a month, it is no wonder that he is one of the most famous latin artists this year. He has sold 11 albums and won several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Or Urban Album in 2021 and MTV Video Music Award for Artist of the Year in 2022. 

Once Bad Bunny’s popularity skyrocketed, his new music has not only been playing on the radio, but can be found everywhere on social media such as TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. 

As a personality, he has been influential because of his open support for the LGBTQ community and his unapologetic love for his Puerto Rican identity. Bad Bunny is a great artist to support, as his music is fun and enjoyable – suitable to uplift those who feel alone, are anxious about current news or just want to party.  

Selena Quintanilla Peréz

Selena was a Mexican American Tejano singer. Once known as “Queen of Tejano music,” her contributions to music and fashion have made her a well-celebrated Mexican American icon of the 20th century. Selena started singing at around 8 years old. Her dad, Abraham Quintanilla, found something special in her and formed a family band called Selena y Los Dinos for Selena and her siblings (Suzette and A.B Quintanilla). 

Selena’s contributions to Hispanic American culture extends to the influence in confidence she had on Latina women – like me. She widened the audience for Texan Mexican music globally and contributed to a rise in latin music popularity across the U.S.. Selena’s achievements were on the academy level – she was the first Tejano artist to win a Grammy with her album “Selena Live!” in 1994 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. 

Selena was the first Latina woman that blended Spanish and English music together. Even though she is no longer with us, her music and legacy will continue to live forever. Listening to her music helps us learn more about one of the most influential Hispanic women in history. 

Vicente Fernández

Don Vicente Fernández Gomez was a Mexican singer, songwriter, actor and film producer. Throughout his career, Fernández won four Grammy Awards, nine Latin Grammy Awards and 14 Lo Nuestro Awards. His vast discography comprises over a hundred albums. His contributions helped Mexican music reach audiences globally, making him another influential Mexican artist. 

Fernández’s artistic integrity, tireless dedication and unending enthusiasm put him in history as an influential pioneer of ranchera music and a towering figure in the evolution of regional Mexican music. With over 60 years of career experience, Fernández has promoted ranchera music all over the world – gaining the moniker of “the last great of the vernacular song of México” by mariachi bands.

The number of films and albums he has created has impacted generations of Hispanic families. Fernández’s music is still popular within Mexican and Hispanic cultures, often playing in events like quinceañeras, weddings and birthday parties.