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The National Recording Registry's best Spanish-language songs (and what it's missing)

Carlos Santana is featured on this week's episode of Alt.Latino.
Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images
Carlos Santana is featured on this week's episode of Alt.Latino.

The Library of Congress' National Recording Registry is more than just a collection of music and sound — it's a reflection of who we are as a country. In April, two new Spanish-language songs were added to the registry: Juan Gabriel's "Amor Eterno" and Héctor Lavoe's "El Cantante."

This week on Alt.Latino, Felix and Ana take the opportunity to dive into the Spanish-language songs that have made it into the historic collection, as well as share their dream picks for what should be chosen next.


Songs featured in this episode

  • Héctor Lavoe, "El Cantante"
  • Juan Gabriel, "Amor Eterno (En Vivo [En el Palacio de Bellas Artes])"
  • Buena Vista Social Club, "Chan Chan"
  • Buena Vista Social Club, "Orgullecida"
  • Buena Vista Social Club, "El Carretero"
  • Santana, "Oye Como Va"
  • Lydia Mendoza, "Mal Hombre (Cold-Hearted Man)"
  • Dizzy Gillespie feat. Chano Pozo, "Manteca"
  • Ivy Queen, "Quiero Bailar"
  • Jose Feliciano, "El Reloj"


Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

Copyright 2024 NPR

Felix Contreras
Felix Contreras is co-creator and co-host of Alt.Latino, NPR's pioneering radio show and podcast celebrating Latin music and culture since 2010.
Anamaria Artemisa Sayre
Anamaria Artemisa Sayre is co-host of Alt.Latino, NPR's pioneering radio show and podcast celebrating Latin music and culture since 2010.