Corrido

Corrido is a musical genre that is traditionally performed in Mexico. The word “corrido” comes from “correr,” which means “to run” or “to flow.” This is significant because corridos are known for their narrative nature, telling stories of heroes, villains, and historical events. The history of the corrido dates back to the 18th century. Originally, corridos were sung by peasants and farm workers as a way to share stories and news, as well as pass the time while working. These songs were typically accompanied by stringed instruments such as the guitar and the harp. Over time, corridos became widely popular throughout Mexico. They were often performed at fiestas, weddings, and other gatherings. The themes of the songs varied widely, but many of them told stories about heroes and bandits, as well as historical events. One of the most famous corridos is “La Adelita,” which tells the story of a woman who fought alongside Pancho Villa during the Mexican Revolution. This song has become an anthem for many Mexicans, serving as a symbol of bravery and patriotism. During the 1920s and 1930s, the Mexican government began to take an interest in corridos. They saw them as a way to promote national unity and spread nationalist propaganda. The government began to commission corridos that celebrated the achievements of the military and government officials. However, many musicians and artists resisted this government-led co-opting of the genre. They continued to write and perform corridos that told the stories of the common people, focusing on themes such as poverty, social inequality, and political corruption. In the 1940s and 1950s, corridos began to take on a new style. They became more polished and sophisticated, with artists adding new instruments and experimenting with different rhythms and melodies. This period saw the emergence of iconic performers such as Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete, who helped to popularize the genre throughout Latin America. By the 1960s and 1970s, a new wave of artists emerged who were interested in using corridos as a platform for social and political commentary. Many of them came from the United States, and they were heavily influenced by the civil rights movement and the anti-war movement. This new wave of artists transformed the genre once again, blending corridos with other styles such as rock and roll, soul, and funk. Some of the most famous artists of this era include Los Tigres del Norte, who were known for their songs about the struggles of migrant workers and the experiences of Mexican-Americans living in the United States. Today, corridos remain an important part of Mexican culture. They continue to be performed at weddings, fiestas, and other celebrations, and they are often used as a way to tell the stories of everyday people. The genre has also continued to evolve, with new artists experimenting with different styles and themes.

Chalino Sanchez: Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Chalino Sanchez is regarded as one of the most influential and iconic artists in corrido. He revolutionized the genre by infusing personal experiences and stories into his music, bringing a raw authenticity to his songs. Los Tigres del Norte: This band from Sinaloa, Mexico has been called the "Kings of Norteño Music". They have been active since the 1970s and have released over 50 albums. Los Tigres del Norte's music often covers topics such as social and political issues as well as love and breakups. Jenni Rivera: Known as the "Diva of Banda Music," Jenni Rivera made a name for herself in the corrido genre with her powerful voice and frank lyrics. She often sang about gender inequality and violence against women. Vicente Fernandez: Vicente Fernandez is one of the most iconic voices in Mexican music, and has helped popularize corrido around the world. His music often embodies traditional Mexican values and regional themes. Pedro Infante: A beloved icon in Mexican music, Pedro Infante originally found fame through his roles in Mexican cinema. He often incorporated his acting skills into his music, making his performances emotive and engaging. Ramon Ayala: One of the founding fathers of modern Norteño music, Ramon Ayala helped revolutionize the corrido genre by blending traditional accordion and bajo sexto instrumentation with more contemporary elements. Alicia Villarreal: Known for her powerful voice and energetic stage presence, Alicia Villarreal is a legendary figure in the female corrido tradition. Her music often tackles themes of love, betrayal, and empowerment. Los Cadetes de Linares: With over 400 records and 43 years of experience, Los Cadetes de Linares are considered one of the most iconic bands in the corrido tradition. Their music often dealt with the hardships of Mexican life and the struggles of the working class. Lila Downs: A Grammy award-winning artist, Lila Downs has helped introduce the traditional music of Mexico to a wider, international audience. Her music often merges indigenous Mexican, Latin American, and American blues influences. Antonio Aguilar: One of the most prolific and influential singers in Mexican music history, Antonio Aguilar's music often celebrated the countryside and working-class culture of Mexico. His legacy lives on through his son Pepe Aguilar, who has followed in his father's footsteps as a popular corrido artist.

1. "La Bamba" by Ritchie Valens 2. "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee 3. "Amor Eterno" by Juan Gabriel 4. "El Rey" by Vicente Fernández 5. "La Cucaracha" (traditional) 6. "Cielito Lindo" (traditional) 7. "Volver, Volver" by Vicente Fernández 8. "El Mariachi Loco" by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán 9. "Me Gustas Mucho" by Banda MS 10. "Si Nos Dejan" by Luis Miguel 11. "La Malagueña" (traditional) 12. "La Adelita" (traditional) 13. "El Patrón" by Tigrillo Palma 14. "México Lindo y Querido" by Jorge Negrete 15. "No Me Se Rajar" by Banda el Recodo 16. "Que Te Vaya Bonito" by Vicente Fernández 17. "El Son de La Negra" by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán 18. "El Tábano" by Los Caminantes 19. "Veracruz" (traditional) 20. "Por Un Amor" by Pepe Aguilar 21. "La Llorona" (traditional) 22. "La Bikina" by Luis Miguel 23. "El Noa Noa" by Juan Gabriel 24. "El Triste" by José José 25. "La Paloma" (traditional)

Various books have been written on the subject of corridos, including "Corridos in Migrant Memory" by Maria Herrera-Sobek. In this book, Herrera-Sobek explores how corridos have been used by Mexican migrants to maintain a sense of cultural identity and ethnic pride in the United States. Herrera-Sobek notes that corridos can serve as a form of social commentary, both celebrating the virtues of Mexican cultural values and criticizing the injustices of society. Another notable book on the subject of corridos is "The Mexican Corrido: A Feminist Analysis" by Francesca L. Miller. Miller examines how corridos have traditionally depicted women in stereotypical roles as seductresses or passive victims. However, Miller notes that some modern corridos have challenged these gender roles and portrayed women as strong and independent figures. Miller invites readers to examine and question the messages conveyed in corridos and what they say about Mexican culture's attitudes towards gender. Corridos have also been studied for their role in shaping history, as explored in "Mexican Ballads, Chicano Poems: History and Influence in Mexican-American Social Poetry" by José E. Limón. Limón discusses how corridos have been used to recount historical events and preserve the memory of important figures. He also notes how Mexican-Americans have used corridos to express their experiences as a marginalized community and to demand social and political change. Notable quotes about corridos include: "The corrido is a musical form that came to life as a cultural response to political, social, and economic events happening in Mexico in the 19th century." - Elijah Wald, "Corridos and the Mexican-American War" "The corrido offers the immigrant both a way of staying connected to his roots and a way of adjusting to his new home." - Maria Herrera-Sobek, "Corridos in Migrant Memory" "Corridos are not just stories or cultural artifacts. They have political implications for the way people view their world and their place in it." - Olivia Arigho-Stiles, "The Significance of the Corrido in Mexican-American Culture"

The Corrido genre emerged in a time when Mexico was fighting for its political independence, and its people were facing social, economic, and political upheavals. These ballads often reflected the harsh realities of life in Mexico, including violence, injustice, poverty, and corruption. The social context of the Corrido genre was central to its popularity as people were able to relate to the themes within them. The songs were used to tell the stories of ordinary people, highlighting their struggles and triumphs. Mexico's cultural heritage is rich and diverse, and it was this diverse cultural background that contributed to the development of the Corrido genre. The songs were often sung in the Spanish language, but their themes, rhythms, and melodies had inherited influences from African and Indigenous cultures as well. These ballads became a way to celebrate Mexican culture and its diverse history, creating a sense of national identity. The technological advances in the music industry facilitated the spread of the Corrido genre beyond its traditional borders. With the invention of radio and phonographic records, the music could reach more people, and the artists could access a broader audience. Notable record labels, such as Lira de Oro, Columbia Records, and RCA Victor played a pivotal role in promoting the genre. The production of movies and television shows also contributed to the spread of the Corrido genre outside of Mexico. For instance, movies such as Los Tres Huastecos (The Three Poor Men) in 1948 and El Reñido (The Dispute) in 1956 had significant impact in promoting the genre. The Corrido genre has been enriched by notable personalities who contributed to its development and popularization. The composer teams of Jose Alfredo Jimenez-Antonio Aguilar and Lola Beltran-Amalia Mendoza are noteworthy. These teams helped carry the tradition of the genre into the 20th century, and their music still resonates with people today. In journalism, Artemio Olvera and Juan Jose Escorza were central figures in promoting the genre. They wrote popular columns and articles that helped shape public opinion about the genre and its importance to Mexican culture.