Hispanic Heritage Month-Did You Know…?

Week of October 1, 2018

Hispanic Heritage Places of interest

Interested in visiting some of the places with Hispanic culture and heritage? The National Register of Historic Places maintains a list of places and properties that highlight Hispanic heritage across the United States. With over 200 places listed and adding more every year, some of those are found in Florida. Among those in Florida are Castillo San Marcos in St. Augustine, a national monument dating back to the 17^th century and the oldest masonry fort in the continental Unites States.

Some of the places recently highlighted by the National Register highlight the cultural influence of Hispanics in the nation’s community. El Centro Español de Tampa [Spanish Center of Tampa] (Tampa, Florida) became the first ethnic club established when it opened its doors in Ybor City, called Tampa’s Latin Quarter. Also highlighted is Casa Amadeo, the first Puerto Rican owned music store in New York City that became key to the emerging Latin music tradition. Opening in 1927 and originally known as Casa Hernandez, it was established by the family of the distinguished composer Rafael Hernandez.

Contributions of Hispanic Composers

Music has always been a part of Hispanic culture and heritage. The distinct styles of Hispanic music is a reflection of its diverse and multicultural character. Among the many representatives of the Hispanic music tradition, one of the countless distinguished composers is Argentinian-born Astor Piazzola, famous for his tango compositions. As a child, he lived in Greenwich Village (NY) where it is said that his passion for music began as he listened to his father’s record collection.

The repertoire of Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona brought the flavor and rhythm of the Hispanic Caribbean. Some of his compositions include Siboney and Siempre en mi Corazon, which has the distinction of been nominated for an Oscar in 1942.

Mexican composer Maria Grever became internationally acclaimed for her timeless romantic music. Songs What a difference a day makes, Júrame and Muñequita linda, continue today to resound in the musical stage.

A prolific composer, Puerto Rican born Rafael Hernandez created some of the songs- Lamento Borincano, Preciosa, El cumbanchero– that continue today as part of the traditional popular Hispanic music.

Brief look at some popular Hispanic artists through time

The rich contributions of Hispanic artists to popular music are found across all musical styles.  One of the many artists setting the stage for so many of today’s performers was Richie Valens, born In Los Angeles of Mexican descent and known for his version of La Bamba. Valens is credited as one of the Latinos that influenced the rock music of the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Salsa music is one of the legacies of Hispanics to the musical scenario. The work of musicians like Ray Barreto, Joe Cuba, and the celebrated Tito Puente left an indelible mark in the 1960-1970’s music landscape of salsa in New York City.  In 1968, Dominican-born Johnny Pacheco formed the well-known Fania All-Stars, whose sound and performance became a musical landmark. The legendary Cuban singer Celia Cruz became a vocalist in the group during the 1970’s, rising to fame with her unique style and voice.

Through time, Female Hispanic artists have shared their art and cultural heritage through music. Among the pioneering female vocalists, we find Lydia Mendoza, known as the Alondra de la frontera [the meadowland of the border] who first recorded in 1928 in San Antonio (Texas). She was well known for her unique Tejano style. Decades later, famous singer Selena, also became known as a representative of Tejano music and considered by many as the biggest star of this style.

Other famous female vocalists include Gloria Estefan, whose music has transcended internationally. The voices of Christina Aguilera, Shakira, and Maria Carey all resonate among the multitude of contemporary Hispanic women singers.

Hispanic Oscar recipients

The musical and acting talent of many Hispanic artists has been recognized at the Oscar Awards. Numerous artists have received nominations for the Oscar including composer Lin-Manuel Miranda in 2016 for his song How far I’ll go for the movie Moana.

Actor Jose Ferrer became in 1950 the first Hispanic to win an Oscar for his supporting performance in the movie Cyrano de Bergerac. A decade later, 1961, singer, dancer and actress, Rita Moreno became the first Hispanic woman to win the Academy award for best supporting actress in West Side Story. Born in Puerto Rico, Ms. Moreno, whose long distinguished career spans over 70 years, was honored in 2004 with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2009, she became the recipient of the National Medal of the Arts.

 Hispanic songs to remember

Remember the sound of Guantanamera, Cachito, or Oye como va? Or perhaps your favorite tunes are La vida loca, Camisa negra, or Despacito?  Today we continue to enjoy the rich sounds of a plethora of compositions created or made famous by Hispanic artists.

Some of the compositions that became part of the musical tradition date back to the 1920- 1930’s like El dia que me quieras composed by famous singer Carlos Gardel and Alfredo Le Pera, considered by many as a representative of the Argentinian tango. Written in 1940, Mexican composer Consuelo Velazquez’s song Bésame mucho [Kiss me a lot] is one of the most recorded songs. Even the Beatles played her song.

Children’s books about Hispanic music

Do you want to share Hispanic music with children? The stories of two Hispanic music artists, Celia Cruz and Tito Puente, are now featured in children’s literature. Author Monica Brown captured Puente’s contribution in her book Tito Puente, mambo king. She also authored My name is Celia: The life of Celia Cruz where she tells the story of the famous Cuban singer. Celia’s story is also told by Veronica Chambers, author of Celia, queen of salsa. The spirit of the Latin music in New York is also the focus of another children’s book, Los discos de mi abuela/My grandmother’s records authored by Eric Velazquez.

References:

Casa Hernandez: https://www.nps.gov/nr/feature/hispanic/2001/amadeo.htm

Castillo San Marcos: https://www.nationalparks.org/explore-parks/castillo-de-san-marcos-national-monument

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