; Whereas Puente’s innovative blend of Cuban and Caribbean sounds such as mambo, son, and cha-cha-chá resonated with mainstream audiences, solidifying his status as a cultural icon both in the United States and internationally; Whereas, in 1959, Ritchie Valens became a trailblazer in the music industry with his iconic rendition of the song La Bamba becoming the first Latin song to enter the Hot 100 Billboard chart, marking a significant milestone for Chicano Rock; Whereas Celia Cruz, the incomparable Queen of Salsa and a pioneer of Afro-Cuban music, infused traditional guarachas with modern flair, elevated the genre to global acclaim with timeless classics like La Vida Es un Carnaval , and left an enduring legacy in the realm of Latin music; Whereas Celia Cruz served as a musical ambassador with her dynamic performances and impassioned vocals that transcended cultural boundaries, solidifying her status as a global icon; Whereas Johnny Pacheco, revered as the Grandfather of Salsa , emerged as a leading figure in the vibrant New York salsa scene during the 1960s and 1970s, contributing significantly to the genre’s development, and served as the musical director of Fania Records; Whereas Los Tigres del Norte, a Mexican band renowned for their poignant portrayal of social issues and immigrant experiences in the United States through songs like La jaula de oro and América , have been honored with multiple Grammy awards, contributing significantly to the popularization of the corridos genre within the United States starting in 1968 and continuing to the present day; Whereas Vicente Fernandez, a singer, actor, film producer, and the King of Ranchera Music , made significant contributions to ranchera music, earning him Grammy and Latin Grammy awards, selling over 50,000,000 records, and receiving the title of the greatest Mexican singer of all time by Rolling Stone; Whereas Alejandro Fernandez, El Potrillo , continues the legacy of ranchera music, having sold over 20,000,000 albums across the world