# Rubén Blades Reflects on Legacy

> Rubén Blades shares his honest songwriting philosophy and upcoming film role at Latin Music Week.
- Title: Rubén Blades Reflects on Legacy · Billboard | Shortify
- Summary: Rubén Blades shares his honest songwriting philosophy and upcoming film role at Latin Music Week. Rubén Blades says his music remains honest and he's working…
- Keywords: ruben blades, billboard latin music week, seattle, nfl, salsa music, campeon gabacho, porto rico, Rubén, Blades, Reflects, Legacy, Billboard
- Source: Billboard — https://billboard.com/music/latin/ruben-blades-reflects-legacy-latin-music-week-1236365295
- Author: Natalia Cano
- Published: 2026-10-22T00:46:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ruben blades, billboard latin music week, seattle, nfl, salsa music, campeon gabacho, porto rico
## Rubén Blades at Latin Music Week
Rubén Blades spoke at Billboard Latin Music Week 2026 on October 21 in Miami Beach.

> What I wrote was honest and I still feel that way
## Blades' Songwriting Philosophy
Blades describes music as having fun and dancing, not just political or critical themes.

> Music offers many varieties; not everything has to be political or critical, it’s also for having fun and dancing
## Salsa Music Influence
Blades helped redefine salsa with rock, jazz, and Pan-Latin music influences in the 1970s.
## Classic Songs
Blades created timeless songs like 'Pedro Navaja', 'Decisiones', and 'El Padre Antonio y Su Monaguillo Andrés'.
## Film Projects
Blades is acting in 'Campeón Gabacho' and will star in 'Porto Rico' with Bad Bunny.
## Willie Colón Dispute
Blades and Willie Colón had a dispute over Siembra 25 Años concert master rights that ended in 2023.
## Billboard Icon Award
Blades will receive the Billboard Icon Award at the 2026 Latin Music Awards on October 22.
## Key takeaway

Rubén Blades says his music remains honest and he's working on a film with Bad Bunny.