Podcast

Mexican music is not just one genre, but has various styles and variations. "La Bamba" is a classic Mexican song with deep roots in American and Mexican culture. It originated in Veracruz and became popular in Mexico City in the 40s. Richie Valens added a rock and roll twist to the song, making it a worldwide hit. The song combines Spanish, indigenous, and African music elements. It is typically played on arpa jarochas and guitar relatives. Different versions of the song exist, but the melody remains the same. "La Bamba" is a traditional aspect of Mexican culture and has influenced cultures worldwide. Mexican music has long been looked at as a singular genre, but there is a great deal of styles and variations that come with this culture. One of my favorite Mexican songs is a classic. Some might know it from pop culture, but the history of this song runs more profound than most can imagine. The song I have chosen is La Bamba. It was originally popularized in American culture by Richie Valens. This song has very deep roots in both American and Mexican culture. It was originally from Veracruz, Mexico. One of the oldest versions of this song was called El Rocho, stating that it came from Son Hojo, and it was recorded by Alvaro Hernandez-Ortiz in 1938. It then became a popular song and dance in the nightclub scene of Mexico City during the 40s. It eventually made its way all the way up to New York City, but ultimately it was re-recorded by several different artists in their own style. Richie Valens learned the song in his youth and later in life was able to put his own spin on it. At first, he was hesitant to add rock and roll to the song, wanting to preserve its cultural heritage, but he eventually went through with it with some help from his band. It topped the charts worldwide and became one of the most recognized songs from Mexican culture, a classic musical genre from the Veracruz region of Mexico. This style combines Spanish, indigenous, and African music elements. The song is typically played on one or two arpa jarochas, along with guitar relatives the jarana jarocha and the riquinto jarocho. The lyrics of the song will greatly vary depending on the singer and region, however there are many versions such as those by musical artists such as Los Lobos and Richie Valens that are more recognized around the world. The traditional aspect of La Bamba lies in the tune and melody, which remains almost nearly identical in most of the versions that are recorded. In one traditional version, there is a dance performed at weddings and ballet folklorico shows where couples utilize intricate footwork in order to create a bow signifying their union. This song has long been a staple in Mexican culture for decades, and it represents different styles and musical genres found all throughout Mexico. It has reached a worldwide audience and influenced cultures beyond itself.