Woot! I forced you to reply and now you are forcing (thanx) me to do some homework based on your valuable reply.That's probably a good idea. On both counts.
What often passes for reggaeton in popular Latin music now is considerably watered down. (But still frequently enjoyable imo.) I'm actually enjoying what alot of the female artists are bringing to the genre right now though. Since, with rare exceptions (like Ivy Queen), it was dominated largely by male artists in the beginning (like DY, Don Omar, and Wisin & Yandel). I suspect it will not be most people's cup of tea though here.
Folks should also sample some cumbia, bachata, salsa, sertanejo, baile funk, and maybe some regional Mexican as well. And maybe some other South American styles. Since I still live close to the border and listen to this type of thing all the time (mostly on the internet now), and PR is part of the US, I'll assume its ok for me to suggest a few things in these genres.
Start your cumbia journey with Los Ángeles Azules. They are one of the best and most popular groups in the genre (at least in the US), and often collaborate with other interesting Latin artists, like Natalia Lafourcade, Gloria Trevi, and Ximena Sarinana, for example. (They are far from unknown though in the Spanish-speaking world.)
Juanes is a popular Mexican rock/pop artist who has also been doing some interesting things lately, that combine different Latin and American music styles.
Demis Roussos?When I worked with the music touring business I ran across a few customers I'd never heard of. I remember one particularly I'd not heard of in the US where I live but when visiting Australia my buddy's wife was a big fan of the guy (but can't remember his name for the life of me or even perusing a list of greek artists....sort of a larger/heavier guy popular in the 70s, sang in a really high and annoying voice....which is probably why I can't come up with the name, only worked a bit on his tours).
Demis Roussos?
…and another, much more modern and apparently rather famous Greek singer - Filippos Pliatsikas (with The Nits of Holland):
It literally is all greek to me...
Caetano, again of Brazil
Caetano Veloso has quite some recognition around the world IMO
Can't say I've ever seen the name. Not that that means muchCaetano Veloso has quite some recognition around the world IMO.
I can only speak from personal experience: (1) never heard of him until (2) got a Brazilian girlfriend (3) who introduced him to me. In that order.
Paul Kelly has been huge in Australia for decades as a sing-song writer. I love his story telling.
My favourite:
If your a cricket fan:
Another favourite:
Jorge Ben and Caetano Veloso are indeed known internationaly.
here is an unknown to the outside world
linked to the best song to give a trailer, watch the whole session if you like the style
Latvia, Imants Kalnins
Whaa? nope, it's all double dutch to me.It literally is all greek to me...