I never expected to be captivated by a mariachi rodeo scene, but the moment Linda Ronstadt steps into “La Charreada” — Felipe Bermejo’s song from her Canciones de Mi Padre album, released on November 24, 1987 — it’s clear why the Library of Congress chose it for the National Recording Registry. This isn’t just heritage; it’s heritage that moves and resonates, brought to life through Ronstadt’s collaboration with musical director/producer Rubén Fuentes and producer Peter Asher. The music swirls with brass, violins, and a sun-soaked confidence, and when her Spanish flows in, it feels like a familiar warmth — like a blessing you didn’t know you were missing.
“La Charreada” is a burst of mariachi pride dressed in satin and silver—a song that rides in like a procession, reminding you that heritage isn’t a memory… it’s a living…