Latin Sounds

The irresistible rhythmic pulse of Celia Cruz and Tito Puente. The suave romantic crooning of Julio Iglesias. The funky, soulful guitar playing of Carlos Santana. And the seamless blending of Mexican son jarocho and early rock ’n’ roll in the inimitable voice of Pacoima’s own Ritchie Valens.

Walking along Hollywood Boulevard, you may hear some of their music drifting out of a passing car or a storefront window. For decades, it has been part of the soundtrack of daily life in Spanish-speaking cities such as Los Angeles and Miami. Increasingly, it supplies the background music across the United States, as Latin American and Latino artists add a new language and many new beats to the national symphony.

— Reed Johnson covers arts and entertainment and was the Times’ Latin American culture correspondent based in Mexico City

Here's a look at some of the stars of the Latin music world who have stars on the Walk of Fame. If you do not see the person you are looking for below please search our complete list of the stars on the Walk of Fame. And, if you haven’t yet, check out The Times virtual tour of the stars.