Salsa- Revolutionizing Tradition
Salsa music presents a conundrum: one the one hand it began as a music of the barrios of New York City while on the other hand it was extremely commercialized almost from the very first day. If someone were to ask you: “Is salsa an authentic music of the people or is it just a commercial creation of a record(s) company(ies)?” After pondering and weighting the issues: how would you answer?
Do so in 1,000-words. [Remember that in a chapter in Glasser’s book My Music is My Flag you have already read about technology and commercialization, and their impact on music; and that for boogaloo (in Johnny Colón’s essay) you read how boogaloo died when it couldn’t get any commercial play. These two readings should be used to frame your essay.] For your answer:
Use the documentaries Salsa Revolution and Our Latin Thing
Provide and explain specific examples.
Discuss the impact of Fania Records on the process.
Discuss the musicians’ reactions towards commecialization and the standarization of the salsa sound.
Incorporate the salsa monga (romantic salsa) movement into the argument.
