Ready to get a history lesson in Latin music movement in the United States? Then don’t miss a special documentary from HBO.
HBO’s documentary film The Latin Explosion: A New America will debut Monday, November 16 on HBO and HBO Latino and simulcast in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Created and executive produced by music mogul Tommy Mottola, The Latin Explosion: A New America celebrates the artists and visionaries who have exploded onto the U.S. music scene and gone on to become global superstars, from Desi Arnaz to Romeo Santos.
The film shows how those acts have influenced every aspect of American society, from culture to politics to the economy.
The film ranges from the cha-cha and mambo crazes of the ‘50s, with Arnaz and Rita Moreno, and the edgier ‘60s, reflected by Carlos Santana and Jose Feliciano, to the exciting new sound of salsa in the ‘70s and the emergence of superstars Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan in the ‘80s.
The film also spotlights the Latino boom of the late ‘90s, led by Ricky Martin, Shakira, Mark Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, and today’s hottest stars, Pitbull and Santos.
Some of the featured artists discuss how their crossover hits have played a role in defining the American experience, setting the stage for today’s Latin Explosion.
Other artists featured include Eva Longoria, George Lopez, Los Lobos, Cheech Marin, Thalía and Sofía Vergara. John Leguizamo is the narrator.
“We have assembled the largest array of Latino superstars ever in a film telling a powerful story of their history and immigration, politics, and rise from a small minority population to the most critical demographic in the United States,” comments Mottola.
The Latin Explosion: A New America is directed and produced by Matthew O’Neill and Jon Alpert.
