The first artists to win a Grammy in this category were Los Lobos in 1984 for “Anselma.” They won again in 1990 for “La Pistolay El Corazon.” The last winner of the award in the category before it was changed was Pepe Aguilar in 2008 for “100% Mexicano.” He also won in 2007 for “Historias de Mi Tierra” and in 2001 for “Por Una Mujer Bonita.” He is the only artist to win three times. Artists including Vikki Carr, Linda Ronstadt, Las Mafia, Luis Miguel, and Flaco Jimenez, and Joan Sebastian all each took home two awards in this category. Not all of the winners were themselves of Mexican-American heritage, but they do showcase quality examples of the genre.

Pitbull – Known by his stage name Pitbull this American born rapper, of Cuban descent, has had songs on the Hot 100 charts in the United States and Europe. His Latin sounds have taken over with duets including Jennifer Lopez, Rhianna, Ne-Yo, and Marc Anthony.

Romeo Santos – The lead singer of the group Aventura has been seeing great solo success. His single “Promise” featuring Usher went to #1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart.

Mana – This talented band has been going strong for over three decades. Their success is staggering having won over a dozen Grammy and Latin Grammy awards. Their accomplishments also include numerous prestigious Latin music awards. Worldwide this artist has sold millions of albums, and is always a concert favorite.

Paulina Rubio – Probably the current most popular Mexican female singer. She is known from her band Timbiriche. Since 2000, her solo albums have been in Mexico and all over the country.

Some of the new forms incorporate a sound that is a little bit more diverse. The Mariachi bands are picking up steam in lots of restaurants. Mexican Mariachi bands were always depicted as a sign of romantic gestures in movies. It is still this way in some restaurants, but the newer forms show a different sign of Mariachi music.

People that play this type of music have transcended beyond the limitations set forth by movies. These bands also perform playful music that is simply great for dancing. They also put a light spin on birthday parties. It is something that is being passed on to younger students.

The wonderful thing about the new Mariachi sound is that it’s moving out even further than centralized locations like Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. This is where Mariachi bands were typically found. Today the new forms are taking the delightful display for talent throughout the country. They are penetrating more non-Mexican populated areas.

Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas is a singer, songwriter, fashion designer, television host, and actress. She was born in Hacienda Heights, California as Stacy Ann Ferguson and comes from an Irish, Scottish, Mexican, and Native American background. She is known for singing rock, pop, R&B, and hip hop style songs.

Popular teen star Demi Lovato (Demetria Devonne Lovato) was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is of Mexican, Irish, and Italian descent. She first gained notice for her starring roles in the “Camp Rock” teen films and went on to become a singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, model, and activist. She is known for pop, pop rock, and R&B songs.

Musician Dave Navarro from Santa Monica, California has paternal grandparents that immigrated from Mexico. Besides singing he plays a variety of instruments including the guitar, piano, keyboard, and bass. He is known for alternative rock and heavy metal songs, and was once a part of Jane’s Addiction as well as the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Carlos Santana (Carlos Augusto Alves Santana) was actually born in Mexico, in Autlan de Navarro in Jalisco. He is a musician and songwriter who sings as well as plays the guitar, percussion, and violin. He is known for music in a variety of genres including Latin, Chicano, and Blues rock, as well as jazz fusion, funk, Tejano, salsa, pop, and free jazz.