In response to the recent editorial presented by JAQO pertaining
to the controversy over the Latin Grammy’s and accusations
of political folly made by Willie Colon against Sony
Music and the Estefan’s, I offer an alternative point
of view.
Everyone knows that the music industry in general is literally
ridden with politics and there are established monopolies
which tend to manipulate which artist will be effectively
marketed to the general public and which will never get
past the desk of an A&R representative.
This industry is not unlike any other, which stands to
benefit monetarily from the promotion of a select few
with the right connections. More often than not, artists
with powerful political affiliations tend to gain greater
support from record companies, the media and advertisers
whom are always looking to capitalize on the spoils of
their own manufactured product.
Anyone who believes that record companies actually promote
the most talented musicians available in the industry
is disillusioned. The fact of the matter is, the public
will respond to anything the record companies effectively
market and support. Maybe not to the tune of selling
as many records as the Beatles but if you put enough
marketing resources behind it, you can record the sound
of a sampled fart over a funky beat and ‘hype it up’
enough to sell enough records to get a Grammy...even
a Latin Grammy if the fart is in Spanish. Popularity
is often manufactured by those whom possess enough power
and influence to manipulate public opinion.
I think the message which Willie Colón was trying to get
across, is that the Estefan Empire does not adequately
represent today’s Salsa music community.
Nor were they the first, or the best, which this genre
has had to offer.
They were effectively able to cross over to a predominantly
English speaking market back in the ‘80’s’ but since
then they have built a political monopoly which has influenced
which artists will be given favor at such award ceremonies
as the Latin Grammy’s.
I think the appropriate title for this ceremony should
have been the ‘Latin Shammy’s’. As true pioneers and
the ‘best & brightest’ stars of today’s Salsa music
were not invited to attend because the Estéfan’s ego
was taking up too much room at the arena where the event
was held.
Evidence of the disparity in talent possessed by Gloria
Estéfan in comparison to other artists in today’s Salsa
music was most clearly evident during her recent performance
televised nationwide from the Bahamas, where she made
the most embarrassing mistake of her career, in sharing
the stage in a duet with the incomparable voice of Marc
Anthony. Performing her own song [Mi Tierra], Marc reminded
her of just how ‘out of her league’ she truly is in today’s
Salsa music.
In closing, I found JAQO’s editorial to be both long-winded
and excessively verbose. Willie Colón is entitled to
his opinion which by the way is constitutionally protected
by law. The Latin Grammy’s was a great disappointment
to many, many people in our community. If you don’t like
Willie’s message, simply don’t listen to him. That is
what makes this democratic country so great…freedom of
speech.
The combination of political messages & music is nothing
new. Although most people would rather listen to lyrics
about love, sex or money, there is a market out there
for everything. Willie Colón is not the first artist
to also dabble in social activism. Just listen to the
lyrics of some Willie Chirino songs and you will find
examples of political overtones. If you like the music
the artist is presenting and embrace the principles of
open dialog, then you will come away with a greater appreciation
for the art form itself. Good, bad or indifferent.
Hey, that’s just my opinion. I could be wrong… :)
(Anon.)
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I like the editorial page because it encourages open dialog
about a variety of different topics.
Hopefully, people will use it responsibly and not take
it too seriously.
(Anon.)
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