Bolero

Bolero is type of Hispanic American Music ballad with a 2/4 time signature that appeared in eastern Cuba towards the end of the 19th century. It is unrelated to the Spanish 3/4 dance-oriented genre of the same name, Bolero español, which evolved from the seguidilla. The first Cuban trovador, Pepe Sánchez is widely considered the father of the genre and his song "Tristezas" is commonly cited as the first bolero. During the early 20th century the genre spread to other Latin American countries such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic, becoming the first internationally successful Cuban genre. Many Latin American variants exist, for example Mexican bolero is more melodic and less rhythmic than its Cuban counterpart and the lyrics are more literary and complex.