Puerto Rican musicians of the Harlem Renaissance

Résumé 0

"This article focuses on the contributions of Puerto Rican musicians tothe African-American bands and orchestras that were active during theHarlem Renaissance. The essay provides biographical sketches of themusicians who were instrumentalists and composers of the leadingorchestras of the period, including those led by Fletcher Henderson,Duke Ellington, Noble Sissle, James Reese Europe, Leon Abbey, DonRedman, Luckey Roberts, Claude Hopkins, among others. Biographicalsketches are provided for the following Puerto Rican musicians: RafaelEscudero, Carmelo Jari, Rafael Hernández, Rafael Duchesne, RamónUsera, Francisco Tizol, Gregorio Félix, Fernando Arbello, and RamRamírez. Brief references are made to a number of additional musicianswho were also participants during the important cultural surge that isbest known as the Harlem Renaissance. Background information on theearly Puerto Rican diaspora is also included with brief references to themigrations to New Orleans, Hawaii, Washington, and New York City.The purpose of the essay is to develop a more complete picture of thePuerto Rican experience in jazz. The essay provides information thathelps explain why the contemporary music of Puerto Ricans, in theStates and the homeland, was influenced by the music of the AfricanAmerican community"