long live Latin

There's a must-see PBS documentary called Latin Music USA. It is a fabulous piece of filmmaking that provides insights into the history, impact and effect of the fusions of Latin sounds with jazz, rock, country and rhythm and blues.

It aired on Oct. 12 and 19, two, one-hour segments each night.

The series gets it right. In the 1930's, jazz was the first North American form to be influenced by and influence Latin music, particularly the music of Cuba and led by South Carolinian Dizzy Gillespie.

The doc is historically accurate, fully respectful of the Latin form, entertaining and full of substance.

Although it has run already, you can purchase a recording. You can also see it on your computer. Go to PBS.org, then hit the ShopPBS button to buy a CD or DVD. To watch the doc on your computer, hit the WATCH NOW button on PBS.org. Under its Programs button, there's a drop-down menu where Latin Music USA will appear in alphabetical order on the list. Click on it.

Featured artists include Willie Colón and Marc Anthony; Flaco Jiménez; Carlos Santana; Linda Ronstadt; Los Lobos, Gloria and Emilio Estefan; Ricky Martin and Juanes; Pitbull, Daddy Yankee and Tego Calderón, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

One of the nicer touches is the use of "Oye Como Va" as a kind of theme. This classic was written by mambo king Tito Puente in 1963 and popularized by Santana in 1970, a year after the Bay Area band introduced Latin music to rock 'n roll at Woodstock.

One of the many things I learned was the fact that I knew even less about Tejano than I thought.

This doc gives as full a treatment as I've seen to describing Reggaeton, the latest manifestation of urban Latin music.

The film also made me aware of "In the Heights," a Broadway musical from 2008 that won a Tony Award. It showcased merengue, salsa, souls music and hip hop.

The images, especially the archival stills and film, are stunning. The editing gives a nice pace to the piece and still allows full treatments to subjects that deserve them.

Here's the content:

Program One-The first program traces the rise of Latin jazz and the explosion of the mambo and the cha cha chá. Latin Music infiltrates R&B and rock 'n roll through the 1960's.

Program Two-Puerto Ricans and other Latinos in New York reinvent the Cuban son and the Puerto Rican plena, adding elements from soul and jazz to create salsa.

Program Three-Mexican-Americans in California, Texas and across the Southwest create their own distinct musical voices during the second half of the 20th century.

Program Four-The last program looks at the Latin pop explosion of the turn of the century, focusing on the success of artists like Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan and Shakira.

In the way we look at the world today, Latin music and culture are probably more American than any other. American no longer refers only to the United States.

Latin Music USA does nothing to dispel that.