Music of Latin@s and their Predecessors in the United States before 1900
What was “Latin music” like in pre-twentieth century America? Was there a “Latin music” or even a Latino identity during this historical period? With the current heated political debates surrounding Latinos, immigration, and national identity, a critical exploration of possible answers to these questions is not merely timely but in fact overdue. Professor David Garcia’s lecture will explore ways of understanding the music of Spanish-speaking communities in pre-twentieth-century America and the reasons why this history might help inform our understanding of Latin@s and their place in American society today.