The Latin Music USA documentary is one of the most informative I've seen in a long time.
The 4-part documentary gives the history of Latin jazz, rock and pop music in America.
I had no idea popular music owed so much to Afro-Latin rhythms. It is unbelievable to think that some of the most innovative and ground-breaking music from The Rolling Stones & Beatles owe something to the deep roots and influences of Latin music.
The second part, dealing with Salsa music, was of particular interest to me. I have had a remote interest in Salsa music but had not done any research to better educate myself. I learned more about the Fania All-Stars that I had only known of by name.
Days before I watched the documentary, I visited the Fania website which was graciously giving away a Hector Lavoe download. I did not hear the download but heard enough from the documentary to know I really like Hector Lavoe. He was a fantastic singer and the song below caught my ear.
I’m torn between loving Boogaloo and Salsa most but I believe my heart and feet are centered in Salsa.
I’ve had a little crush on Linda Ronstadt since childhood. She looks very similar to Melanie, another singer I respect, but has a stronger voice. It is no accident that I added her to my Lady Macbeth Mix, the first one I created for 8-Tracks. The documentary told me that Ronstadt was of Latin origin. I had no idea Linda was Latina! It might explain why I was drawn to her. She was adorable as the video footage of her performing Bob Dylan’s I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight proved.
I'm thankful to PBS, Latino Public Broadcasting & Jimmy Smits for the documentary. I finally got the lessons in Latin music I had been yearning for.
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