Decoding “Despacito:” An Oral History Of Latin Music Out Today

Billboard V.P Leila Cobo Gives A BTS Look At The Biggest Latin Hits Around The Globe

"Cobo may be the top Latin music journalist in the U.S." -Variety

“An entertaining oral history of the songs that put Latin culture on the map.” -Kirkus Review

Decoding “Despacito:” An Oral History Of Latin Music written by Leila Cobo, Billboard’s V.P. of Latin Music and leading Latin music expert, is out today via Penguin Random House in Spanish and English, one of only a handful of books released in both languages simultaneously. Decoding Despacito will also be released as an audio book, with Leila reading both English and Spanish versions of the book. This book is a deep dive into the fastest growing genre in the world and tracks the stories behind some of the biggest Latin hits of the past fifty years.

Order the book HERE

Decoding “Despacito” provides a rich oral history of never-before heard anecdotes and insight from a who’s who of Latin music artists, executives, observers, and players with their stories, told in their own words, taking you inside the hits, to the inner sanctum of the creative minds behind the tracks that have defined eras and become hallmarks of history. This includes personal anecdotes from some of the biggest pioneers in the genre such as Shakira, Daddy Yankee, Marc Anthony, and more! The book was also featured in one of the top morning shows in the US, Despierta America. Check it out HERE

The official book launch will be a discussion with "Despacito" star Luis Fonsi, taking place virtually on the Books & Books website March 3 at 7 pm ET. Let us know if you're interested in attending.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Leila will be participating in a conversation with the Grammy Museum about her career and book, which is moderated by AJ “El Kallejero” Ramos, the US Latin and Latin America Artist Relations Manager at YouTube. This virtual event will take place March 4th on the Grammy Museum’s streaming service collection: live.

Later this week, Leila will also be participating in a virtual Town Hall Seattle event on March 7th at 7:30pm PT. More info HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A Fulbright scholar from Cali, Colombia, Leila Cobo is VP/Latin Industry Lead for Billboard as well as a classical pianist, successful novelist and biographer.

She is one of the world’s leading experts in Latin music. Under her tenure, Billboard has become the single, most read source of Latin music in the world, with Billboard’s Latin content garnering over 2 million unique visits per month on Billboard.com. Leila also programs the yearly Billboard Latin Music Week, the most prestigious and largest gathering for the industry in the world.

Among many accolades, Leila received the 2020 “Wonder Women of Latin Music” award from the LAMC; the “Music Industry Trailblazer” award from the TJ Martell foundation in 2019: and was named an inaugural “Leading Latin Lady” by the Latin Grammys in 2017. Last year, she was one of Hola! Magazine’s 50 Most Influential Women. She was also named Mujer Imagen by Imagen Magazine and one of the top 25 Latin Women in Media by Latina Magazine.

Leila Cobo Online

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