Latin Music USA is a series of documentary on PBS that explores the story of new American music forged from powerful Latin roots.
The four videos cover from Latin jazz and mambo to salsa, Tejano, Chicago rock, Latin pop and reggae ton.
Here is the list of the videos:
- Bridges
- The Salsa Revolution
- The Chicano Wave
- Divas and Superstars
The Salsa Revolution
Of course the video I watched first is The Salsa Revolution. Great video.
It showcases the birth of salsa music in the barrios of New York in the 60’s to the 70’s, the legendary superstars live films, memories shared by the Fania starts, Salsa’s rich sound and style conquered the Latin music world.
You can feel Salsa’s influence in New York, a hybrid sound created by Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and other Latinos in the city.
The Birth of Salsa
Before salsa, the latinos in the US were tired of traditional latin music. And the popular music like jazz and rock emerged around that era. Then first-class musicians were gathered and played the “mix” of traditional latin rhythm, jazz, rock and other genre of music. That’s how salsa was born, as the word salsa explains.
Although it wasn’t mentioned in this video, I read someone’s blog that political separation between US and Cuba also encouraged Puerto Ricans musicians in New York to fulfill needs of latin music in the country.
Fania Records and Superstars
I liked it covers the history of Fania records and their superstars. Jerry Masucci, Ex-owner of Fania, and his brother Alex share their memories of Fania. Like mentioned in Ruben Blades documentary film “I am not Ruben Blades”, Fania might have taken advantage of the artists and made lots of money, yet it would have been Fania’s great achievement that created and developed salsa music in that era.
Active Fania legends like Ruben Blades and Willie Colon share their stories and sentiments about salsa movement and another legendary singer El Cantante Hector Lavoe. It is so nice to see these two artists that I am kinkily following lately.
(By the way I wrote my report on Willie Colon Concert 2019 here)
Personally It was my first time to view young Hector performing. I like how he sings his songs, almost like telling a story rather than singing. He sings with savor (taste) for sure. He passed away so early. It’s such a pity that I don’t get to see his performance live. Yet thanks to the videos like this one, I still get to know his music.
Actually I still haven’t watched the other three videos of this series. I will eventually watch them. I am so happy to find this salsa documentary video. Great quality.