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Chapter Sample from Wildman of Rhythm: the Life and Music of Benny Moré
Chapter 2Rumba, Son, and the OrchestrasSon was disliked by the authorities from the moment it first appeared in Santiago de Cuba, in the easternmost provinces. Rock and roll carried its hint of sexuality and raciness, but for early son it wasn’t implied, it was clearly displayed. Son dancing uses a hip thrust and twisting that leaves little doubt what it stands for. Son and other badges of Africanness were frowned on by many powerful Cuban officials, but it was the Caribbean, after all, and…See More
A blog post by John Radanovich was featured
John Radanovich commented on the blog post 'Chapter Sample from Wildman of Rhythm: the Life and Music of Benny Moré'
Here is a clip of Benny's hometown, Santa Isabel de las Lajas, with a glimpse inside the Casino de los Congos where Afro-Cuban dance and Santeria ritual still take place. Lots and lots of great footage has surfaced in the past few years of…
Nico Daswani commented on the blog post 'Chapter Sample from Wildman of Rhythm: the Life and Music of Benny Moré'
never knew Conga and drums had been outlawed, wow... The threads are really eye-opening and this history is so interesting. Looking forward to reading more chapters! Do you have any videos of Son and some of the ballroom contradance that you could…
Chapter Sample from Wildman of Rhythm: the Life and Music of Benny Moré
Chapter 2Rumba, Son, and the OrchestrasSon was disliked by the authorities from the moment it first appeared in Santiago de Cuba, in the easternmost provinces. Rock and roll carried its hint of sexuality and raciness, but for early son it wasn’t implied, it was clearly displayed. Son dancing uses a hip thrust and twisting that leaves little doubt what it stands for. Son and other badges of Africanness were frowned on by many powerful Cuban officials, but it was the Caribbean, after all, and…See More
Blog post by John Radanovich
John Radanovich updated their profile
What New Orleans Taught Me About Havana
New Orleans played a large part in why I wrote a book on the greatest figure in all of Cuban music. It was something of an accident that sent me on the search for Benny Moré, a chance hearing of Qué Bueno Baila Usted, one of the best songs to come from any recording studio on the island of Cuba. Throughout her history, New Orleans had lots of cultural contact with her old penpal, Havana. Trading between these Caribbean sister cities included French opera, brass band instruments left over from…See More
A blog post by John Radanovich was featured
Create Culture commented on the blog post 'What New Orleans Taught me about Havana'
john, this is such a beautiful post. With a 7-month old baby myself I can only imagine how the exciting the prospect of returning to New Orleans, and then the horror of the storm must have been an emotional roller-coaster. We hear the sounds and…
John Radanovich updated their profile photo
What New Orleans Taught Me About Havana
New Orleans played a large part in why I wrote a book on the greatest figure in all of Cuban music. It was something of an accident that sent me on the search for Benny Moré, a chance hearing of Qué Bueno Baila Usted, one of the best songs to come from any recording studio on the island of Cuba. Throughout her history, New Orleans had lots of cultural contact with her old penpal, Havana. Trading between these Caribbean sister cities included French opera, brass band instruments left over from…See More
Blog post by John Radanovich
Profile Information
- My Role
- Artist
- My Discipline(s)
- Music, Literary Arts
- About Me And My Work
- Music writer, author of Wildman of Rhythm.
- Art Forms And Cultures I Would Like To Engage With
- Dancing behind a NOLA brass band on Mardi Gras morning.
- My Creative Influences & Favorite Artists
- Graham Greene, Nabokov, Cuban music, jazz, New Orleans.
- My Web link
- http://www.wildmanofrhythm.com
Just back from book readings in LA at Book Soup in Hollywood, and Stories Cafe in Silverlake, where Los Puros played. I did an interview on KXLU and KPFK. Speaking of puros, I give away great cigars with Benny Moré's face on the label with a book purchase. For the reading in New Orleans, the great Michael Skinkus led his band Moyuba.
John Radanovich's Blog
Chapter Sample from Wildman of Rhythm: the Life and Music of Benny Moré
Posted on March 3, 2010 at 10:00am 2 Comments 0 Favorites
Chapter 2
Rumba, Son, and the Orchestras
Son was disliked by the authorities from the moment it first appeared in Santiago de Cuba, in the easternmost provinces. Rock and roll carried its hint of sexuality and raciness, but for early son it wasn’t implied, it was clearly displayed. Son dancing uses a hip… Continue
What New Orleans Taught Me About Havana
Posted on October 25, 2009 at 12:38pm 1 Comment 0 Favorites
New Orleans played a large part in why I wrote a book on the greatest figure in all of Cuban music. It was something of an accident that sent me on the search for Benny Moré, a chance hearing of Qué Bueno Baila Usted, one of the best songs to come from any recording studio on the island of Cuba. Throughout her history, New Orleans had lots of cultural contact with her old penpal, Havana. Trading between these Caribbean sister cities included French opera, brass band instruments left over from… Continue
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