The History of Spanish Caribbean Music in New York City and the Shaping of an International Sound, 1940-1990
FAIN: HB-50333-13
Benjamin Lindsay Lapidus
CUNY Research Foundation, John Jay College (New York, NY 10019-1007)
I am requesting funding from the NEH to complete a book on the unwritten history of Spanish Caribbean music in New York City from 1940-1990 that will detail how musicians, educators, composers, arrangers, folklorists, and instrument builders collaborated to shape the course of both popular and folkloric genres in profound ways. I have conducted numerous interviews, acquired scores, and done archival research. Funding for one year starting in Fall 2013 will allow me to organize this research and write the manuscript. This project is intellectually significant to the humanities, because it revises and corrects the dominant historical narrative of Latin music in New York that has overlooked and underestimated the nature and scope of the connections among these distinct groups of specialists.
Media Coverage
A Sound as International as the City Itself: A Review of Benjamin Lapidus' New York and the International Sound of Latin Music, 1940-1990 (Review)
Author(s): Matthew Pessar Joseph
Publication: The Gotham Center for New York City History
Date: 4/13/2021
Abstract: New York and the International Sound of Latin Music boasts an ambitious title. Yet Benjamin Lapidus’s history of Spanish Caribbean music in Gotham does not disappoint. By exploring overlooked Cuban, Puerto Rican, Panamanian, and Jewish performers, dancers, music teachers, and instrument builders, the author shows how between 1940 and 1990 New York served as a transnational mecca for Latinx music. For Lapidus, the creation of an “international sound” was a two-way street. The mambo, rumba, and salsa traditions so popular among Black, white, and Latinx New Yorkers were not merely imported unchanged from the Caribbean. Rather, Lapidus argues, immigrant Latinx musicians, their US-born peers, and Jewish devotees developed new sounds by melding Caribbean folkloric and popular music with American jazz, rhythm and blues, and rock. Artists came to see Latinx music as “a unifying force” capable of “gradually break[ing] down social barriers.” Over the course of seven chapters, the author shows ho
URL: https://www.gothamcenter.org/blog/a-sound-as-international-as-the-city-itself
Reviews/Books: New York and the International Sound of Latin Music – 1940-1990 (Review)
Author(s): Tomas Peña
Publication: Latinjazznet.com
Date: 5/24/2021
Abstract: In his second and most ambitious book to date, the Grammy-nominated musician, professor, educator, author Benjamin Lapidus makes a compelling case for how New York-based musicians of all persuasions shaped the sound of Latin music.
URL: https://latinjazznet.com/reviews/books/new-york-and-the-international-sound-of-latin-music-1940-1990/
New York City's Influence On Latin Music (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: Alt.Latino
Date: 4/25/2021
Abstract: On this episode, I speak with Ben Lapidus, author of New York and the International Sound of Latin Music, 1940-1990. The deeply researched and resourced page-tuner puts the music we hear today into historical context. In the book, the scholar and Grammy-nominated musician posits that New York City and its Latin musicians have actually influenced in other countries across Latin America.
Curious to know more? I'll let Ben Lapidus explain and be warned: there will be a quiz!
URL: https://www.npr.org/2021/04/22/989881982/new-york-citys-influence-on-latin-music
Musical Ecosystems (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: BBC3 Music Matters
Date: 5/10/2021
URL: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000vfrk
The Sound of New York Latin Music (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: Afropop Worldwide (NPR)
Date: 11/25/2021
Abstract: "The Sound of New York Latin Music" takes a deep sonic dive into the great New York Latin discography, with host Georges Collinet and guest host Ned Sublette, who produced and megamixed. Special guest Dr. Ben Lapidus, author of New York and the International Sound of Latin Music 1940-1990, tells us stories of the musicians and the conditions that made the city's music unique. With nonstop music by Ray Barretto, Jerry González and the Fort Apache Band, Markolino Diamond, a snippet of Joe Quijano's bugalú version of "Fiddler on the Roof," and about a thousand more.
URL: https://afropop.org/audio-programs/the-sound-of-new-york-latin-music
¡Con Salsa! (Media Coverage)
Publication: WBUR
Date: 2/13/2021
Abstract: My dear friend, Dr. Benjamin Lapidus, is a scholar, educator, composer, arranger, world renowned Cuban tres, Puerto Rican cuatro, and guitar virtuoso, a Grammy nominated musician, and leader of the Latin jazz group, Sonido Isleño since 1966. With 32 years’ experience as a professional musician, Dr. Lapidus is a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY, and the Graduate Center. At CUNY, Dr. Lapidus is a professor of music and chair of the Art and Music department and is the author of “Origins of Cuban Music and Dance, Changüí” (2008) and his latest, the highly acclaimed “New York and the International Sound of Latin Music 1940 – 1990”.
Dr. Lapidus is the first of five authors who will be joining me during the next eight weeks, setting the stage for a series of informative, educational and entertaining programs.
Benjamin is not only a gifted musician, he is also a gifted writer and with a PH.D in Ethnomusicology, he immersed himself wholeheartedly in extensive researc
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b_5FQKLn6M
Night Shul (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: East Midwood Jewish Center
Date: 2/10/2021
Abstract: From Novelty to Mainstream
URL: http://emjc.org
Night Shul (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: East Midwood Jewish Center
Date: 2/17/2021
Abstract: Innovators and Beyond
URL: http://emjc.org
In Conversation (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: Miami Book Fair
Date: 11/16/2021
Abstract: Benjamin Lapidus is a scholar, educator, composer, arranger, and Grammy-nominated musician. He leads the Latin jazz group Sonido Isleño (founded in 1996); has performed throughout North and South America, Europe, and the Caribbean; and released five albums of original compositions. As a supporting musician, he has performed and recorded with artists including Andy and Jerry González; Buena Vista Social Club singers Ibrahim Ferrer, Pío Leyva, and Manuel “Puntilla” Alicea; and Rubén Blades. New York City has long been a hub for transnational Latin music; there is no other place in the Americas where such large numbers of musicians from throughout the Caribbean come together to create. In New York and the International Sound of Latin Music, 1940-1990 (University Press of Mississippi), Lapidus examines how collaborations among musicians, composers, dancers, instrument builders, and music teachers in the Big Apple set a standard for the study, creation, performance, and innovation of Latin
URL: https://www.miamibookfair.com/event/in-conversation-on-new-york-and-the-international-sound-of-latin-music-1940-1990/#event-address
Viernes Musicalia (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jorge Duany/Veronica Gonzalez
Publication: CRI (Cuban Research Institute) at Florida International University, Díaz Ayala Archives (FIU)
Date: 2/5/2021
Viernes Musicalia (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jorge Duany/Verónica González
Date: 2/12/2021
Viernes Musicalia (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jorge Duany/Verónica González
Date: 2/19/2020
Music by the Book (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Bobby Sanabria, Elena Martínez
Publication: Bronx Music Heritage Center
Date: 5/26/2021
Abstract: Interview with Author
URL: https://youtu.be/doBKp5dhdxM
LATIN JAZZ: BETWEEN NEW YORK & HAVANA (Media Coverage)
Author(s): José Fernández, Christopher Washburne
Publication: Columbia University Institute of Latin American Studies
Date: 4/13/2021
Abstract: José W. Fernandez is a jazz connoisseur, diplomat, and lawyer. He is a partner in Gibson, Dunn and is recognized as a leading corporate finance attorney in the Latin American market. Fernandez served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs from December 2009 to October 2013. At the State Department he led the Bureau that is responsible for overseeing work on international trade and investment policy; international finance, development, and debt policy; economic sanctions and combating terrorist financing; international energy security policy; international telecommunications and transportation policies; and support for U.S. businesses and the private sector overseas. He has also served on the boards of NPR-station WBGO-FM, Ballet Hispanico of New York and the Middle East Institute. He was a co-founder of TeatroStageFest, a two-week Latino theater festival in New York City, and was appointed a Commissioner of New York’s Latin Media and Entertainment
URL: https://youtu.be/-OmJMC47TXI
Night Shul (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: East Midwood Jewish Center
Date: 2/3/2021
Abstract: Early Pioneers and Antecedents
URL: http://emjc.org
¡Con Salsa! (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: WBUR
Date: 2/20/2021
Abstract: I am joined once again by my dear friend, Dr. Benjamin Lapidus for Part II of our conversation “New York and the International Sound of Latin Music 1940 – 1990”, his latest book.
Benjamin is not only a gifted musician, he is also a gifted writer and with a PH.D in Ethnomusicology, he immersed himself wholeheartedly in extensive research with the help of historians and collectors, in addition to multi-day interviews with nearly 40 musicians and dancers that have resulted in a magnum-opus that I consider one of the best that I have ever read on Latin music. I highly recommend it as a must for everyone who has an interest in our music and culture.
Dr. Lapidus is the first of five authors who will be joining me during the next seven weeks, for a series of informative, educational and entertaining programs.
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU-c_sTHr8k
Culturizando (Media Coverage)
Author(s): MaVi Márquez
Publication: Grupo Culturizando
Date: 10/5/2021
Conversation with Author (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jim Fried
Publication: Fried on Business
Date: 11/17/2021
Abstract: It's Miami Book Fair season! Jim Fried is joined by Miami Book Fair author Ben Lapidus, musician and author of "New York and the International Sound of Latin Music, 1940-1990".
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XG_lYRjo38
Interview with Author (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Cary Alexander
Publication: WDNA FM Miami
Date: 11/3/2019
Abstract: Inrterview
New York and the International Sound of Latin Music: Ben Lapidus on Our Lives with Shannon Fisher (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Shannon Fisher
Publication: Our Lives with Shannon Fisher
Date: 11/21/2021
Abstract: Grammy-nominated musician Benjamin Lapidus joins Shannon Fisher to discuss his new book, NEW YORK AND THE INTERNATIONAL SOUND OF LATIN MUSIC, 1940-1990. Lapidus, a music scholar widely published on the topic of Latin music, examines how interethnic collaboration among musicians, composers, dancers, instrument makers, and music teachers shaped the development of Spanish Caribbean music in New York, cultivating a sound steeped in classical, jazz, and folkloric music. Lapidus is among the authors participating in the Miami Book Fair 2021, the nation’s largest gathering of writers and readers of all ages from around the globe. Visit Miami Book Fair online for more information on live and virtual events. You can also follow MBF on social media: @miamibookfair. Our Lives with Shannon Fisher explores personal, political, and societal perspectives of the American experience. The show delves deeply into the worlds of writers, artists, celebrities, and community leaders and offers listeners food
URL: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-authors-on-the-air-global-46370556/episode/new-york-and-the-international-sound-89664723/
Evening Jazz (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Tracey Fields
Publication: WLRN FM
Date: 12/1/2021
Abstract: Interview
URL: https://www.wlrn.org/
Associated Products
New York and The International Sound of Latin Music, 1940-1990 (Book)Title: New York and The International Sound of Latin Music, 1940-1990
Author: Benjamin Lapidus
Abstract: New York City has long been a generative nexus for the transnational Latin music scene. Currently, there is no other place in the Americas where such large numbers of people from throughout the Caribbean come together to make music. In this book, Benjamin Lapidus seeks to recognize all of those musicians under one mighty musical sound, especially those who have historically gone unnoticed.
Based on archival research, oral histories, interviews, and musicological analysis, Lapidus examines how interethnic collaboration among musicians, composers, dancers, instrument builders, and music teachers in New York City set a standard for the study, creation, performance, and innovation of Latin music. Musicians specializing in Spanish Caribbean music in New York cultivated a sound that was grounded in tradition, including classical, jazz, and Spanish Caribbean folkloric music. For the first time, Lapidus studies this sound in detail and in its context. He offers a fresh understanding of how musicians made and formally transmitted Spanish Caribbean popular music in New York City from 1940 to 1990.
Without diminishing the historical facts of segregation and racism the musicians experienced, Lapidus treats music as a unifying force. By giving recognition to those musicians who helped bridge the gap between cultural and musical backgrounds, he recognizes the impact of entire ethnic groups who helped change music in New York. The study of these individual musicians through interviews and musical transcriptions helps to characterize the specific and identifiable New York City Latin music aesthetic that has come to be emulated internationally.
Year: 2021
Primary URL:
https://www.upress.state.ms.us/Books/N/New-York-and-the-International-Sound-of-Latin-Music-1940-1990Primary URL Description: University Press of Mississippi
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi
Type: Single author monograph
ISBN: 9781496831293
Copy sent to NEH?: No