Ep 187: Bachata Rosa
Juan Luis Guerra\u2019s \u201cBachata Rosa\u201d is an iconic album credited with bringing Dominican genres to the rest of the world. Over thirty years after its release, the album\u2019s status as a classic is undeniable. But bachata and merengue both had long histories before Juan Luis Guerra, and bachata specifically - previously seen as a low-class and vulgar style - came to be seen in a whole new light after the album\u2019s release, paving the way for many to come after. But what does it mean when a historically Black rural genre garners respect once a white Dominican presents it to the world with a shiny pop treatment?\n\nFeaturing music by Juan Luis Guerra and his longtime backup band, 440.\n\nShow notes: https://bit.ly/3QEuLIx\n\nFollow us:\ninstagram.com/RadioMenea\ntwitter.com/RadioMenea\ntinyletter.com/RadioMenea