Spanish Harlem's Musical Legacy: 1930-1980 (NY) (Images of America) [Paperback]

Silvio H. Alava (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 9, 2007

Spanish Harlem’s musical development thrived between the 1930s and 1980s in New York City. This area was called El Barrio by its inhabitants and Spanish Harlem by all others. It was a neighborhood where musicians from the Caribbean or their descendants organized musical groups, thereby adding to the diaspora that began in Africa and Spain. The music now called salsa had its roots in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Santo Domingo, and it continued developing on

another island: Manhattan.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A native of Spanish Harlem, Silvio H. Alava lived and was a part of the musical legacy. From the legendary Palladium days of the 1940s and 1950s, which showcased the music of Machito and His Afro Cubans as well as the musical battles between the two Titos (Puente and Rodriguez), to the birth of Latin jazz, the early days of the Fania Records dynasty and the percussive jam sessions of Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, and Ray Barretto, Alava has documented decades of Latin history through illuminating, distinctive images he has captured with a discerning eye. He is also one of the founders of Latin Beat magazine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (July 9, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 073855006X
• ISBN-13: 978-0738550060
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,529,164 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars But I'm a little biazed..., July 23, 2007

By 

Christina M. Alava "Christina M Alava" (North Las Vegas, NV United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spanish Harlem's Musical Legacy: 1930-1980 (NY) (Images of America) (Paperback)

This book is a life-long dream of my father's and one that his family and friends encouraged him to finish. In the month's prior to his death, he was determined to finish it. I am so grateful for his tenacity and very proud to be his daughter.

It is a collection of his photographs of the Latino musicians from 1930 - 1980's primarily in El Barrio, NY but features several from Los Angeles, CA and other parts of the country. In it are many great photographs, from young to old with his personal commentary - you might even find someone you know also in the pictures.

The Alava Family hopes you have many hours of enjoyment.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rest In Peace... Silvio H. Alava, July 10, 2007

By 

Nina E. Franqui (Long Beach, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spanish Harlem's Musical Legacy: 1930-1980 (NY) (Images of America) (Paperback)

This author has had a profound impact on my life. His joy for life and his uncanny way of seeing the world by the power of the pen, the lense of his camera,a song in heart for life. He lived life full throttle and was a treasure to me. I can't wait to savor the sabor of the barrio and all the treasures in the pages of this book! I anticipate it's release... WEPA!

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BUY FROM AMAZON, April 14, 2011

By 

Sandra E. Chatelain (delray beach, FL, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Spanish Harlem's Musical Legacy: 1930-1980 (NY) (Images of America) (Paperback)

HAVE BEEN A LATIN DANCE ENTHUSIAST SINCE THE PALLADIUM ERA, AS HAVE MANY OF MY FRIENDS. EXCITING TO SEE THE FACES THAT GO WITH THE MUSIC AND/OR TO REMINISCE ABOUT THE GREAT JOY THIS MUSIC AND THESE MUSICIANS HAVE BROUGHT TO SO MANY AND TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE MUSIC. GLAD YOU PUT THIS IN MY RECOMMENDATIONS TO MAKE ME AWARE OF IT.