Every generation needs its own music and Spanish Harlem, the barrio, and the Bronx lent its soul to mixing Afro Cuban melodies, rhythms and R&B with the help of Latino greats such as Joe Bataan, Johnny Colon and Pete Rodriguez.
 |
| Johnny Colon |
The music called the Boogaloo was blind to the barriers of poverty and racism. This funky beat took over the streets. The other side of town might have had the twist but this beat had a totally different hip movement.
I don't know about you but my first memory of latin music was probably Ricky Riccardo's bongos and band's colorful music which came into our living room in black and white. His rendition of Babaloo introduced me to the big band sound of latin rhythm.
And yes, during this documentary of interviews it was difficult to sit still listening to the energetic music recordings and live concerts. Interviews gave insight to what served as inspiration. Where does one fit in if the community you live is not just one identity but a mixture of many different ethnic backgrounds? These latino-afro neighborhoods gave the music world a new beat. Soldiers returning from a war, the times were a' changing. Civil Rights, unrest had a need for the passionate music and identities were never more in crisis. Breaking from tradition and wanting music different than one's parents has always been a key ingredient for change in the music world.
Thank goodness because nothing gets a dance floor hot like a mambo, cha cha, tango, meringue and, of course, salsa for those of us who like dancing spicy and hot. Although media controls what and how much we hear of different music genres, we can all have an appreciation of the gifts of our cultural diversity.
* For your listening pleasure click on
Joe Rodriguez's YOUTUBE's: I Like It Like That
No comments:
Post a Comment