Music

So far this year, digital album sales in the U.S. are up 15 percent from the same period last year. And Americans have already purchased one billion digital tracks, a pace that is set to break 2011’s record of 1.3 billion sold, according to Nielsen. A look back at music sales over the past few years found that the explosion of devices on the market– such as smartphones and tablets– and their increasing role in consumers’ everyday lives has played a major factor in the growth of digital music.

Guitar Center announced the upcoming induction of multi-platinum and Grammy winning Latin rockers Mana, into the retailers' historic RockWalk. The induction ceremony, which is by invitation only, will take place on Monday, Sept. 17 at 2 p.m. at Guitar Center's Hollywood location on Sunset Boulevard.

In the mid-90s, Alberto “Beto” Perez was on his way to teach an aerobics class in Cali, Colombia when he realized he’d forgotten his traditional aerobics music. With no time to turn back, he improvised the class with a mix of salsa and merengue tapes from his backpack. The change of music inspired him to try something new: to focus on being moved by the rhythm instead of counting reps. His energy electrified the room -- and his students loved the class. That day, Zumba Fitness was born. By Tr3s Insights

Sirius XM Radio announced that Latin rocker Juanes will host an exclusive monthly special on SiriusXM's Caliente and La Kueva commercial-free music channels.
 

Legendary Puerto Rican cuatro player Jomo Toro died late Saturday after a long battle with cancer. He was 78. The cuatro master was the first to integrate the local instrument into salsa. His musical credits include a legendary turn on “Asalto Navideño,” a beloved Christmas album headed by Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe.

MIXTO Music, a Miami based music production and supervision firm, has opened it‚s doors during to this week;s AHAA conference.