10 Latino Rockstars You Should Know
These Latino’s Rock —literally. Rock n’ Roll is a genre bursting with musical prowess, and these Latino stars certainly bring talent in spades.
10. Robert Trujillo
His full name is actually Roberto Agustín Miguel Santiago Samuel Perez de la Satna Concepción Trujillo Veracruz Bautista, but he’s most commonly known as Robert Trujillo. This Latino rocker is of Mexican descent and found fame as the bassist for Metallica. He’s even performed with rock legends like Ozzy Osborne.
9. Los Lobos
Los Lobos (which translates to “the Wolves”) is an American rock band from California. In 1987, the band gained international fame following the release of several Ritchie Valens covers for the film, La Bamba. Their cover of Valens’ “La Bamba” is absolutely legendary and in 2015, they were nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
8. Vince Neil
As the lead singer of Motley Crue, Vince Neil was known for his dynamic vocals and one-of-a-kind voice. The rock superstar is also part Mexican on his mother’s side, promptly placing him on our list of Latino music legends.
7. Tico Torres
Hector Juan, otherwise known as Tico Torres, is a famed drummer within the rock community. The Cuban superstar had headlined several big-name acts including Cher, Pat Benatar, Alice, Cooper, and more before eventually finding his place as Bon Jovi’s lead drummer in 1983.
6. Jerry Garcia
His name is forever associated with the Grateful Dead’s legacy, tragically cut short by his death in 1995. Garcia was the frontman and guitarist for the Grateful Dead until he passed away, gaining rock fame for his fluid and harmonious guitar licks. Garcia was of Spanish descent.
5. Ritchie Valens
When Ritchie Valens released his cover of “La Bamba” in the late 50s, the world instantly fell in love with this Mexican rock star. He was instrumental in pioneering the Chicano Rock movement and early Rock n’ Roll as a whole. After his untimely death in 1959, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The day he died will forever be known as “The Day the Music Died”, serving as the inspiration for Don McLean’s folk classic, “American Pie.”
4. Jimmy Crespo
Who doesn’t love Aerosmith? Jimmy Crespo was the guitarist for the iconic 80s rock band, even writing multiple songs for the group. The Puerto Rican musician also worked with Rod Stewart and Meatloaf, but these days, he mostly plays backup guitar for Vegas shows.
3. Dave Navarro
One of the biggest names in alternative rock, Dave Navarro served as the lead guitarist for Jane’s Addiction and was a member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. More recently, Dave has been dabbling in the field of television, becoming a judge on the tattoo competition, “Ink Master.” He is of Mexican descent.
2. Zach de la Rocha
As the lead singer of the metal-funk band, Rage Against the Machine, Zach de la Rocha goes hard. His experiences as a Mexican man have inspired many of the social and political themes found in his music. Rage Against the Machine broke up in 2007 after a brief reunion, but de la Rocha is still active musically and politically through his activism.
1. Carlos Santana
Could it be anyone else? This rocker was the only Latino performer to showcase at Woodstock. Since then, Santana’s gone on to win 10 Grammys and become inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He’s also been named as one of the Greatest Guitarists of All Time by Rolling Stone.
Are we missing any legendary Latino rockstars? Let us know who your favorite is in the comments below!
