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Category: Hispanic American History

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Before Selena: Lydia Mendoza and More Queens of Tejano Music

Posted by: Lindsay Conway

The Library of Congress recently inducted the 1997 film Selena into the National Film Registry. In today's post, learn about the women who were Queens of Tejano music before Selena's all-too-brief reign.

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Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month: Exploring and Celebrating Our Diversity

Posted by: Lindsay Conway

With talking books from the NLS Music Section, you can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at any time of year! Check out the new music appreciation books and music lessons we have to offer!

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Hidden Gems of the NLS Collection: Toccata, Villancico y Fuga, Op. 18 by Alberto Ginastera

Posted by: Brian McCurdy

September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month. It is a time when we celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans that have contributed to our society in positive and meaningful ways. On our journey through the treasures of the NLS Music collection, we recently came across a wonderful work written for organ by Argentine composer Alberto Ginastera (1916-1983), the Toccata, Villancico y Fuga, Op. 18. While this work is performed by organists on a regular basis, the rest of us would benefit from learning more about both the composer and the composition.

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American Composers and Musicians from A to Z: M (Part 2 – McKinnie, Eric “Ricky,” and Montaño, José André)

Posted by: Juliette Appold

Today's American Composers and Musicians blog features two musicians: Eric 'Ricky' McKinnie, a blind gospel singer, songwriter and radio show host; and José André Montaño, an up-and-coming 14-year-old jazz musician, keyboardist and composer.

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American Composers and Musicians from A to Z: F (Part 2 – Feliciano, José)

Posted by: Juliette Appold

José Feliciano is a guitarist, singer and songwriter best known for his interpretation of the songs “Feliz Navidad,” “Light My Fire” and “Hi-Heel Sneakers.” Feliciano was born blind on September 10, 1945 in Lares, Puerto Rico. At age five, his family moved to New York. José Feliciano always liked music and started playing the harmonica …