People often say that Símon Bolívar, aka El Libertador, is to the people of Venezuela what George Washington is to the people of the United States. This is not entirely inaccurate, but this 19th century general and native son of Caracas retains a rock star / savior status that might equally be compared with Bob Marley’s place in the hearts of Jamaicans (and tender souled frat boys).

The talented Yasmil Maruffo has composed for, written for, and backed musicians ranging from Phil Collins to Ricky Martin. Yasmil wrote the music for Rumba en mi Corazón, and he co-wrote the lyrics with Servando Primera. Servando and his brother Florentin made it a hit. Here we catch a rare glimpse of Yasmil performing for a small group of friends.

Carlos Eduardo López Ávila, known to most of the world as Jeremías, (his nombre escénico) was born in London, where his parents were studying, but he returned with them to their native Venezuela at the tender age of two. Billboard describes his music, with its blend of trova, pop, salsa and rock as mestizo (which of course usually refers to a person of mixed blood).

Hector Montaner takes after his father Ricardo Montaner in both good looks and musical ability. After a childhood of studying in Venezuela’s most prestigious conservatories, Montaner relocated in the late ‘90s. "Apariencias" (Appearances) is the title track of his sophomore album release.

Franco de Vita, born in Venezuela to Italian immigrants, is probably Venezuela’s most popular musical export; he’s considered Latin music’s most consistently popular singer-songwriter. At 53 he has 25 years in the limelight to prove it. Mil y Una Historias En Vivo is his newest album.

Isa, short for Isabella, seems to be one optimistic and happy girl. This song is an invitation to teens and pre-teens to come dance and enjoy her TV show Isa TKM. BTW: In Spanish, TKM means te quiero mucho (I love you), in texting-style.

Venezuelan legend Franco de Vita has been a fixture on the pop charts since his debut album in 1984. His extremely romantic tunes made him a star in a country renowned for its telenovela industry. “Mi sueño” is one of de Vita’s most recent hits, and a great showcase of his talent.

In the song “Mentiras,” or “Lies,” by the Venezuelan band Los Amigos Invisibles, a girlfriend hears rumors about her boyfriend going out with other women, but he tells her the rumors are pure lies. Who’s the real liar? Watch the video to find out. Shot in a bar in New York City, the camera follows the lead singer of the group around and “mockuments” the evening he sings about.

This group formed in 1991 to fill a gaping hole in the Venezuelan club/dance band scene. They have a Latin Grammy under their belts as well as nominations for Grammys and Latin Grammys. Move to the beats of “Como sabes tú” from the album Commercial.

Jair and Puzzy are two young and talented musicians from Falcón, Venezuela. They had decided to blend their styles and to create a musical duo that already had brought their music to the best radio stations of the country.

We have the debut music video from La Vida Bohème -- an Indy, punkish Venezuelan band with a bit of French in its name. Playing on roof tops in Caracas, the band delivers a subversive song in just a few words. And then they are kidnapped. "Viva la résistance," says the writing on the wall (also dropping in a bit of French). This is one band worth following.

Cuarto Poder, one of South America’s top hip-hop groups, interprets "Aquí no se está jugando" (Not fooling around here), a song that is part of their third album.

This chart topping hit single, "Colgando en Tus Manos," is sung by Venezuelan pop singer-songwriter Carlos Baute and features Spanish singer, Marta Sánchez. It is the first single from his seventh album, De Mi Puño y Letra and is considered both his breakthrough and trademark song as well as being both his and Sánchez's most successful single to date.

Listen to Venezuelan-Argentine singer/songwriter Ricardo Montaner's 2012 hit single, "Convénceme" from the album, "Viajero Frecuente."

Venezuelan pop artist, Carlos Baute's hit single, "Te regalo," is from his self-titled 2006 album “Baute."