Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame

Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame
Awarded for	musical personalities who have made an impact on the Latin music industry.
Presented by	Billboard
First awarded	1994
Last awarded	2014
Official website	http://www.billboardevents.com/latin

The Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame is an honor presented by Billboard magazine at the Billboard Latin Music Awards. The accolade was established in 1994 to recognize musical personalities who have made an impact on the Latin music industry, both commercially and critically. This includes artists who laid the "artistic foundation" for contemporary Latin music. Potential recipients are nominated by Billboard's editorial committee, which decides the merit of each nominee with regard to his or her contribution to Latin music. Artists chosen to be inducted into the Latin Music Hall of Fame include individuals who exemplify Latin music, are pivotal or iconic pioneers, and whose works are a developmental milestone in the Latin music industry.

Cuban salsa singer Celia Cruz and Cuban bassist and composer Cachao López were the first to be inducted into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame in 1994. The two were chosen due to their achievements and accomplishments in Afro-Cuban music. American Tejano singer Selena was inducted in 1995, three months after she was murdered at the age of 23. In 1996, Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel was inducted for his successful career as a singer, composer, and producer, including songs that he wrote for other artists and songs of his that were covered by other artists. Mexican singer José José was inducted the following year for his romantic ballads and his baritone singing. Mexican singer Vicente Fernández was inducted in 1998 for his contributions to ranchera music.Rocío Dúrcal became the first Spanish singer to be inducted in 1999 for her musical interpretations of Spanish and Mexican pop music.

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