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Chicano rock, a genre pioneered by Ritchie Valens, emerged in the late 1950s and blended elements of Mexican folk music with American rock and roll. Valens's iconic song "La Bamba" showcased this fusion, incorporating traditional Mexican rhythms and melodies with electric guitars and drums. Chicano rock reflected the cultural identity of Mexican Americans, expressing their experiences and aspirations, and became a significant influence on later Latin rock and alternative music.