Ep 2. The Salsa Revolution

In the second episode of season one of Latin Music USA, titled "The Salsa Revolution," viewers are taken on a journey through the origins and evolution of salsa music in the United States. From its roots in Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican communities in the 1960s and 70s to its status as a global musical phenomenon, salsa music has been shaped by the intersections of culture, race, and politics in America.

The episode begins with a look at the emergence of salsa in New York City, where Latin American immigrants first fused traditional rhythms with jazz and R&B to create a new sound that reflected their experiences in the United States. We hear from some of the key figures in this movement, including Willie Colón, Johnny Pacheco, and Fania Records founder Jerry Masucci, who explain how they brought together various styles of music to create something that was uniquely Latin and American.

From there, the episode delves into the social and political climate that gave rise to salsa. We hear stories of discrimination and violence against Latino communities, as well as the activism and organizing that helped them to fight back. One key figure in this struggle was the Puerto Rican singer and activist Ismael Rivera, who used his music to express the struggles of his people and to call for social justice.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are treated to performances and interviews with many of the artists who helped to make salsa a global phenomenon. We hear from the Cuban-born star Celia Cruz, who arrived in the United States in the early 1960s and quickly became a beloved icon of Latin music. We also hear from the Puerto Rican singer Héctor Lavoe, who brought a soulful edge to salsa with his powerful voice and deeply personal lyrics.

Other highlights of the episode include a look at the role of women in salsa, including the groundbreaking singer La Lupe, and a segment on the cultural exchange between Latin American and African American musicians in New York City. Through it all, viewers are treated to a rich blend of music, history, and personal stories that illuminate the powerful impact of salsa on American culture and society.

Overall, "The Salsa Revolution" is a must-see episode for anyone who loves Latin music or who is interested in the complex cultural history of the United States. By tracing the origins and evolution of salsa, the episode gives us a deeper understanding of how musical styles are shaped by the communities that create and nurture them, and how they can become a powerful force for change and connection across boundaries of culture and politics.