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History
Blogs related to Latin music history and culture.
Ruben Blades’ “Maestra Vida” Turns 40
It's been 40 years since Ruben Blades released the masterpiece "Maestra Vida", a double-album describing the life of its protagonist in a Latino neighborhood.
This was an audacious groundbreaking recording of a musical "novela", similar to…
Myrta Silva, the Errant “Guarachera”
Myrta Silva had what Luis "Perico" Ortiz would describe as "el alma de un cantante errante" (the soul of an errant singer).
Unlike many of us, Myrta knew from a very early age what she wanted to be…an artist!
The…
Rafael Muñoz; the Dictator of Rhythm
One day in 1934, Rafael Muñoz was playing the bass with his modest band at an event, when two executives approached him with a business proposition. They wanted him to lead the house band of the most popular night club in Puerto Rico.…
Güiro, Güira, and Güícharo: the Güira
The güira has two distinct qualities when compared to the two other instruments in this percussion family; its the only one made of metal and its the only female.
The güira also happens to be the mother of the Dominican rhythms of…
Remembering Eydie Gorme en Español
To me Eydie Gormé represents one of the first artists to make a reverse cross-over, from the American market to the Latin American market.
I say this in part for the great quality of her recordings with the Trio Los Panchos and with…
Güiro, Güira, y Güícharo: Cuban Guiro
In the mid 1500s four musicians performed at a tavern in the town of Havana, Cuba and used a Cuban güiro among it's instruments. This was perhaps the first record of this instrument being used post colonization of the Cuba.
In my…
Cheo Feliciano: 41 Years of “La Voz Sensual”
The album “La Voz Sensual de Cheo Feliciano” was launched over 48 years ago. It's release occurred one year after his comeback album “Cheo” came out.
Note: I published this blog back in 2013 to commemorate the 41 years of the release of…
History of “Brindis del Bohemio”
At least for a time, the "Brindis del Bohemio" became a New Year's Eve tradition throughout Latin America. Here's a bit of background on it.
About Guillermo Aguirre y Fierro
The famous poem "Brindis del Bohemio" was written by Mexican…
Bobby Capó at 30 Years of His Departure
Bobby Capó, the great Puerto Rican singer-song writer, left us 30 years ago this week, leaving us with a rich legacy in Latin music.
This short blog is to render homage to whom I hope to dedicate a full length blog in the near future.…