New York City has played an oversized role in Puerto Rican affairs. As the major U.S. port on the East Coast for the Caribbean, the City and the Island were intimately linked since the early part of the 19th Century. Since the latter part of the 19th Century New York became home for a large Puerto Rican population who migrated here looking for better opportunities, political freedom and cultural diversity. In 800-words answer the following question: What has been the impact of New York in the development of early twentieth century Puerto Rican music?
In your answer evaluate and explain the impact. The question is open and you may take it anywhere, however, be sure that your answer is based on the three required readings (Acosta, plus the two chapters from Glasser’s book).
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New York influenced the development of Puerto Rican music in the early twentieth century by providing a virtual headquarter for an evolving Caribbean sound (Glasser, 1995). Puerto Rican musicians primarily produced it. The city played a crucial role in creating a growing cultural landscape for this music genre. New York provided a growing commercial music industry favorable for the municipal bands and popular orchestras of Puerto Rico. This music genre became increasingly prominent in the Latin music scene in New York. Puerto Rican music was the incubator for most New York performers. The bulk of this music genre was written and recorded in this city by famous artists such as Rafael Hernández (Center for Puerto Rican Studies, 2017). In the early 1920s, New York City significantly influenced this music by officially opening several pan-Latino clubs. These alliances were mainly formed and reformed in the period between the wars. Although short-lived, they led to monthly festivities in the clubs that sponsored Puerto Rican musicians and performers.
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