It was 30 years ago when Latin NY Magazine held the 1975
Latin NY Music Awards
This was the Opening Dialog given at the Awards:
OPENING DIALOGUE
Written and presented by Izzy sanabria
The struggle of our Salsa music to survive is closely tied to the survival of Latinos in this country.
At a time when Latinos are in search of their identities and a sense of belonging, Latin music serves as Food, it serves as a binding force that keeps us all together. To some it is an escape from the madness of the day.
Salsa is the sound of New York City. It is the sound and rhythm we breathe, live and make love by.
At a time when Salsa is ready to explode nationally it is being choked.
Some call it Ethnic, Primitive, Savage and even Vulgar. Latin Music is all that . . . and More!
The same was said of the Charleston, Ragtime, Jazz, Swing, Rhythm & Blues, Rock 'n Roll and even Opera.
During the l950s, it was said of Rhythm & Blues, "This music is corrupting our youth. It is the cause of juvenile delinquency." What they were saying in essence was, "These Niggers are corrupting our youth." During the 1960's, the Beatles came to America with white faces playing this same music, and America said, "Right On!" To their credit the Beatles named Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Little Richard as the true creators of their music. It made America take a look in its own back yard.
"Salsa" is at a similar point today. So far it has been confined to an economic and social ghetto, not of our making. Which brings us to the purpose of tonight . . . for we are here to honor both our musicians, who have never been sufficiently recognized, and ourselves. It is all of us who are the source, the well-spring from which the rhythms flow.
The purpose of tonight is to raise the level of awareness of Salsa and Boldly present it for . . .
The Art Form, that IT IS!
Speech delivered by Izzy Sanabria
at the Latin NY Music Music Awards on Sunday, May 5, 1975
(and published in the June 1975 issue of Latin NY magazine).
At a time when Salsa is ready to explode nationally it is being choked.
Some call it Ethnic, Primitive, Savage and even Vulgar. Latin Music is all that . . . and More!
The same was said of the Charleston, Ragtime, Jazz, Swing, Rhythm & Blues, Rock 'n Roll and even Opera.