The 1950s ‘sabor’ of Desi Arnez.

The representation of Latin musical influence in American music and pop culture has gone through any number of mutations. At times it has lent a certain panache, such as with Latin jazz, or the smooth sounds of the bossa nova. It’s associated with the ultimate suave dance with the big-band 1950s music of the mambo; with an added south-of-the border twang to rock-and-roll, La Bamba style; and with salsa-infused pop fun. In a more belittling manner, it’s also been presented as a kitschy genre, where men once wore puffy shirts and women flower-bedecked hats, a la Carmen Miranda, or played in a Mariachi band as a silly backdrop to a silly movie scene.

As they say, it’s complicated. A traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian just arrived at History Miami that helps dissect some of this, “American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music.”

As most of us in Miami know, there is no real definitive “Latin” sound or Latino musician. But in this exhibition, the focus is on Caribbean and Mexican influences on American culture – two very different styles and, in some ways, heritages. So, for instance, you can discover the music of the “sabor” cities of New York, Miami, L.A. and San Antonio, cities on the eastern and western sides of the U.S. that experienced different migrations. New York and Miami, with its Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban populations, with music and art heavily influenced by Afro-Caribbean traditions, are distinct from the Mexican background of California and Texas (where you’ll find out a Latin-tinted rhythm and blues style arose).

So the genres you can delve into range from Chicano rock and L.A. punk to salsa, reggaeton and Latin jazz.

While some of the genres have never made it entirely into mainstream America, many of the names whose work have strong Latin roots have. Representing the East Coast: the likes of Tito Puente, Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan. The West Coast: Richie Valens, Selena and Carlos Santana. To help you explore all of this, there are two films made specifically for the exhibit, and numerous photos and listening stations.

“American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music” opens Aug. 6 and runs through Oct. 26 at History Miami, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami; www.historymiami.org.