Ep 187: Bachata Rosa

Juan Luis Guerra’s “Bachata Rosa” is an iconic album credited with bringing Dominican genres to the rest of the world. Over thirty years after its release, the album’s 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’s 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? Featuring music by Juan Luis Guerra and his longtime backup band, 440. Show notes: https://bit.ly/3QEuLIx Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea tinyletter.com/RadioMenea