- Latin music often emphasizes a strong, steady beat and syncopated rhythms.
- This rhythmic influence can be heard in many rock songs that feature driving beats, such as those by Santana and Los Lobos.
Instrumentation:
- The use of Latin percussion instruments, such as congas, bongos, and claves, has enriched the sound of rock music.
- Artists like Tito Puente and Mongo Santamaría helped popularize Latin percussion in the United States, inspiring rock bands to incorporate these instruments into their music.
Call-and-response vocals:
- The call-and-response style of singing is common in Latin music and can be heard in some rock songs, particularly those with a soulful or bluesy feel
Melodic structures:
- Latin music frequently employs distinctive melodic structures, such as those based on the Spanish guitar or Afro-Cuban rhythms.
- Rock musicians like Carlos Santana and Ry Cooder have integrated these structures into their music, creating a unique blend of Latin and rock flavors.
Cultural influence:
- The vibrant and diverse culture of Latin America has had a profound impact on the development of rock music.
- Latin music has seeped into the mainstream, influencing the sounds, themes, and styles of rock bands worldwide, leading to the emergence of sub-genres such as Latin rock and Latin alternative.