Para Las Mamás: Latin Artists on Their Favorite Mother’s Day Songs
It’s Mother’s Day, and sometimes it’s not enough to just tell mom what she means. These Latin artists know that putting all those feelings to song adds something even more special —so we asked what music they’d pick to celebrate their mothers and the idea of motherhood.
Gloria Estefan found new meaning in a classic song by Jack Jones that she used to sing for her mother while Natalia Lafourcade shared the special sounds that calm her new baby now that she’s a mom herself. Chino Pacas, J Balvin, and Ana Tijoux also shared their picks — check them out below.
Gloria Estefan – ‘The Impossible Dream’
One of my mother’s favorite songs was ‘The Impossible Dream,’ and she would ask me to sing it constantly when I was growing up. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the depth of the lyrics, but they found a home in my heart long before I realized it. Looking back, I truly believe that song helped shape my beliefs about life — to dream beyond limitations, to keep going through adversity, and to believe that striving with courage and love is always worthwhile. Its message became part of the way I walk through the world.”
J Balvin – ‘Los Caminos de la Vida’
The lyrics remind me of the sacrifice a mother makes for her child, and her dream of giving her children everything they deserve.
Natalia Lafourcade – ‘Aztec’
“This year I received the enormous gift of motherhood. Celebrating Mother’s Day this time is even more special. It’s different because it’s my first time being a mother. From my prenatal preparation, through the birth itself, and even after the postpartum period, I listened to this album with my baby. Now this album has a profound and powerful effect on me, in ways I can’t explain, because every time he listens to it, his crying calms down, his heart rate regulates, and he’s happy. This album features Native American voices and is called Under the Green Corn Moon. This is the song my little one loves to listen to most right now.”
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Bad Gyal – ‘A Fuego Lento’
One song that really reminds me of my mom is “A Fuego Lento” by Rosana, because she used to play Rosana’s albums all the time when she drove us to school as kids. But that song in particular always makes me think of her and brings back those moments when she would sing along and be so loving and caring. It reminds me of those special moments between her and me, my sisters, and my brother.
Chino P – ‘Mamá’
“Mamá” is a song in which I sincerely and clearly express the love I have for my mother. This song came straight from the heart; everything flowed during its production. I almost never tell my mom I love her, but she knows very well how much I do, and this song is a work I dedicated to her so that, even though she already knows, she’ll always remember it. On this Mother’s Day, I want to dedicate it to all the mothers who listen to me and always give their best for their children, just like mine.
Ana Tijoux – ‘Respect’
It’s such a powerful song, both musically and lyrically. Aretha has always represented for me the empowerment of women in all its facets, a soul singer who has influenced generations and whose talent continues to move us to our very core.
Xavi – ‘Another One Bites the Dust’
That song reminds me so much of my childhood because my mom used to play it every morning while cleaning the house, it’s what I would wake up to. It instantly takes me back to those moments growing up with her.