Lets take it back: 1930's

The "Boogie down Bronx" is what many call it, that’s where I’m from. The Bronx has been recognized throughout the years for its great musical contributions to society. Not the mention the great artist who come from the borough such as Jennifer Lopez, Billy Joel, Mary J. Blige, Hector Lavoe, Tito Puente, rapper Big Pun and many more.

 “The Bronx has been known as “el condado de salsa” or the borough of salsa” (Osterhout). It all started in the 1930’s when the Cubans brought their amazing rhythms over to the United States, and of course the Bronx was one of the most fortunate who benefited from the wonderful music.   

 As soon as the weather starts getting back up to the 70 degree mark, prepare yourself to listen to the wonderful melodies of salsa all around the borough. You could walk down East Tremont, Crotona, Burnside almost anywhere and you’ll hear some salsa playing. It’s just so uplifting and joyous that you just want to dance right then and there.

 Not too long ago I went to visit an old friend around the Crotona area of the Bronx and there it was old school salsa by Hector Lavoe playing! It was so beautiful to hear the melodies and harmonies of the instruments as he sings. The music was nothing like the music from now, where it is all “digitally altered”. I think I fell in love, because trust me when i say that ever since that day I can’t stop listening to it.

 "Salsa music is an integral part of the Bronx identity," says multi-Grammy-nominated percussionist (and Bronx Walk of Fame inductee) Bobby Sanabria. "You can't mention the Bronx without talking about salsa. So even though there are no big salsa ballrooms in the Bronx anymore, the love of the music is still there. And it's important to keep that part of our character."

 54.3% of the Bronx’s population is Hispanic (U.S Census Bureau).  That’s a great number compared to the other Boroughs in New York City. It’s no secret that the Bronx is filled with great music from all over the world. I believe that it is what gives the Bronx its “Spice” or “A leg up” that some other places may not have. The Bronx is one of the most Musical places you could find, there’s music spurring out of almost every corner.

 

 

Works Cited

 Osterhout, Jacob E. "Salsa Dancing in the Bronx Is Decades-long Tradition, Intertwined with NYC Character: Bobby Sanabria." New York Times [New York] 3 July 2011: n. pag. Print.

 U.S Census Bureau. N.p.: n.p., n.d. U.S Department of Commerce. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. <http://http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/36/36005.html>.