Rock en espa?ol is the Spanish-language rock music. While the term is used widely in English, it is used in Spanish mainly to distinguish such music from "Anglo rock." It is a style of rock music that developed in Latin American countries and Latino communities, along with other genres like Caribbean ska, reggae, and soca. It belongs to the broader category of Ibero-American rock. Successful musicians and bands playing in this genre are often noted for being "crossover" artists, as this genre inherently bridges both linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Rock in Spanish began in 1958, when Ritchie Valens recorded "La Bamba," popularizing Spanish-language rock music throughout Latin America. That year, Daniel Flores, often called the "Godfather of Latin Rock," performed his hit song "Tequila." Argentinian band Los Cinco Latinos released their first album, "Maravilloso Maravilloso," which was met with success in Latin America and the United States. The first Rock bands in Latin America were created in the late 50s and early 60s. Since 1959, several Mexican groups like Los Teen Tops, Los Blue Caps and Los Locos del Ritmo recorded Spanish versions of rock classics by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Buddy Holly among others, which gained them popularity in Latin America. Successful covers included La Plaga (Good Golly Miss Molly) and Popotitos (Bony Moronie). In 1960, Argentinian Sandro de Am?rica, a rock musician with a very sensual style influenced by Elvis, later developed a style of pop music called Balada rom?ntica Latinoamericana (Latin American romantic ballad). In the early 60s, a style of commercial rock music called Nueva ola (New wave) became popular in several Latin American countries. In Spain, the mid-60's produced the bands Los Bravos, Los Brincos, Bruno Lomas y Los Rockeros, Los Canarios, Los Cheyennes, F?rmula V, Lone Star, Micky y Los Tonys, Los Mustang, Los Pekenikes, Pop Tops, Los Salvajes and Los S?rex.

In the late 60s, Carlos Santana further popularized the Latin rock genre. Although he does not does not consider himself a Rock en Espa?ol musician, he is a traditional Latin musician that has fused rock guitar with classic Latin American songs. His hit song "Oye Como Va" is an example of Santana's fusion, being a song composed by famous Latin jazz and mambo musician Tito Puente. The late 60s in Argentina brought a movement called "rock nacional" (Argentinean national rock). With a distinct musical style, it has become one of the most popular styles in that country, along with tango and folk music. Bands and musicians responsible for the movement are Los Gatos (led by Litto Nebbia), Arco Iris (led by Gustavo Santaolalla), Almendra (led by Luis Alberto Spinetta), Vox Dei, Sui Generis and Seru Giran (both led by Charly Garc?a). Argentinian national rock is linked with the sexual revolution of that country and the spirit of freedom against military dictatorships.