2. Machito and his Afro-Cubans were the original Mambo Kings in the 40's. They laid down the foundation for Salsa-Jazz ensembles. They also redefined Afro-Cuban Jazz, and greatly contributed to the creation of Cubop and Salsa.
3. Drizzy made Chano Poza his drummer in the late 40's and was introduced to Poza by Mario Bauza. Drizzy also worked with Bauza in clubs and played music with him, which helped him bring the Latin feel into his music.
4. The Palladium was a concert hall in NYC and later became a night club. The Palladium became the "Home of the Mambo".
5. Films brought in Latin music to make it available to a broader audience. West Side Story was one of the very famous movies that brought Latin music to the light.
6. Latin composers like Carlos Santana have incorporated a Latin feel into the Rock genre. Many rock songs have a direct lineage to Latin music, or were written by Latin composers.
7. I think Latin music skyrocketed in popularity because if it's happy upbeat nature, and happy feeling. When I listen to the song Danza Kuduro by Don Omar the inner Latina comes out in me and I just want to Dance with all of my friends.
8. Yes the music I listen to has Latin influences, I listen to all types of music, even Latin music.