ABC News to Air a One-hour Special, "Latin Beat," Focusing On Recent Explosion of Latin Talent Across the Country, Tuesday, Sept. 7.

NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Aug. 30, 1999--

Anchored and Reported By John Quinones, the Report Features

Today's Hottest Latin Stars, Including Marc Anthony,

Enrique Iglesias, Gloria Estefan and Others

In this "vida loca," no one can predict the future -- but one thing seems fairly certain: The incredible popularity of Latin music and performers will be leading us into the next millennium. In a fascinating, one-hour ABC News special, John Quinones reports on the recent explosion of Latin talent, and the meteoric rise of Hispanic stars such as Marc Anthony, Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan and her husband/producer Emilio, and Salma Hayek.

Learn what has driven them to national stardom and how their strong sense of Latino heritage has shaped them as actors and performers. Celebrating the strength and diversity of Latin culture, Mr. Quinones also explores their roots in this country and takes a closer look at what may be behind this phenomenal surge of interest. The ABC News special will air TUESDAY, SEPT. 7 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Editors please note: Photos of Enrique Iglesias, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Samla Hayek and Marc Anthony will be available for downloading at www.abcmedianet.com.

The extraordinary popularity of these new stars has stirred an interest in all Latin music from the merengue to the mambo. The infectious Latin rhythms have taken over the airwaves in this country, as mainstream America has embraced a genre that has skyrocketed internationally. In an exciting hour full of heartthrobbing Latin sound -- set in the beautiful backdrop of Miami's South Beach -- Mr. Quinones talks to many of the artists who've made successful crossovers, fusing American and Latin culture, but remaining true to their roots.

"We make music that we feel is reflective of who we are. And who we are is a mix. I mean, I came to the United States when I was two years old . . . Music is something that touches us on an emotional level, a very primal level. And you don't have to know where it's from," says Gloria Estefan. Considered a pioneer of Latin music in the U.S., she is one of the world's top-grossing Latin artists of all time.

Ironically, 10 years ago, Gloria Estefan was told by record companies that her music sounded "too Latin." For fear it wouldn't sell in "Anglo" markets, she was urged to take out the percussives, horns and piano -- a move Gloria and her producer/husband Emilio refused. Dedicated to expressing their bi-cultural Cuban-American roots, the Estefans' perseverance ultimately paid off.

Similarly, blockbuster actress Salma Hayek reveals the problems she says she encountered as a Mexican-American actress early in her Hollywood career. Mr. Quinones' report explores the major shift in attitude toward Latinos in this country, taking a historic look back as well as ahead to a future of growing cross-culturalism.

With a population of roughly 30 million Hispanic Americans nationwide, Latinos are now considered the fastest-growing minority group in this country. Hollywood has started to realize this, as Mr. Quinones' report features celebrity Latin performers like actress/pop diva Jennifer Lopez and actress Salma Hayek. Also featured are Hispanic acting greats, Cuban-born Andy Garcia and Edward James Olmos, who share their cultural pride and love for Latin music. As the report retraces Latino history in this county -- from musician Tito Puente to Desi Arnaz, Chita Rivera and Carlos Santana -- the special commemorates their struggles and successes.

Emmy Award-winning correspondent John Quinones is recognized as one of the most prominent Hispanic reporters in the field of broadcast journalism. Mr. Quinones anchors and reports this compelling hour, sharing his own influences and experiences, and tracing his roots as a fifth-generation Hispanic in San Antonio, Texas.

Phyllis McGrady is the executive in charge of special programming. Rudy Bednar is the executive producer. John Siceloff is the broadcast producer. Producers include Nina Alvarez, Richard Gerdau and Robe Imbriano. Max Culhane is the production associate. (CLOSED-CAPTIONED) (Broadcast in stereo where available)