What, exactly, does it mean?

It never ceases to amaze me that many people who neither speak, read, nor understand Japanese go to great lengths to wear clothing inscribed with Japanese symbols. For all they know, the symbols could translate to “I am so stupid”, or, of course, something much worse. Well, today, I come before you as Mr. Hypocrite. Fortunately, for me, music is universal.

For the longest time, I have been enamored with a Latino group that goes by the name of “La Factoria”. Their music mesmerizes me to no end. It makes me want to get out of my seat and shake a tail feather (no – you don’t want to see that). The music is almost otherworldly in its ability to make one sing along, even though he or she has no clue as to what is being sung. Yes – I blast their music without knowing whether they are calling me out of my name or simply romancing me. The words are in Spanish and I do not speak, read, or understand a lick of Spanish. Meet Mr. Hypocrite.

I first encountered the group while skimming the ‘net looking for music videos that I hadn't seen. The first video that caught my eye was for the song “Perdoname”, featuring a singer by the name of “Eddie Lover”. I wrote “caught my eye”. It would be closer to the truth to say that it dragged me head first into its lair of beauty and sensuality. Being one who just loves the ladies, there was no way that I could just watch, shrug my shoulders and move along. Once I finally got past the sensuality, the music began to grow on me much like the moss that gathers on a non-rolling stone.

Although I had not grown tired of “Perdoname”, even after about a week of playing it nearly nonstop, I was finally ready to see if the group had any other songs that would hold my attention. There were quite a few songs from which to choose, but, two of the songs disrobed themselves and beckoned me to become their love slave - and I was all too willing to oblige. The siren-like songs that captivated me are “La Pagaras”, and “Como Me Duele”. I now have some idea as to how the ancient sailors managed to get themselves pulled into the rocky shores by those sweet sirens of the Grecian Islands.

I have three songs in my collection by La Factoria, and have not even considered checking out the other songs that the group has to offer. I am still too fascinated by the first three. I could very well solve my dilemma of being Mr. Hypocrite by looking up the translations to the songs that I currently enjoy without meaning. However, I intend to wallow in my ignorance for just a bit longer. I’m afraid that I may not like the words that I find with the English translation. I’m afraid that the attraction and captivation will vanish. Fortunately, for me, music is universal.

This is blackstarr saying "Vive la Renaissance". Peace.

The Music of La Factoria

Pernoname (the video)

copyright © 2008 blackstarr blackstarr52@gmail.com

music, La Factoria, blackstarr, La Pagaras, Como Me Duele, Perdoname

The Harlem Renaissance: Part 1 of 5

When most people hear the term “Harlem Renaissance”, Black writers and entertainers come to mind. That’s not such a far-fetched idea. Ironically, one of the most influential players of the Harlem Renaissance, and the one who virtually set it in motion was a Caucasian.

Carl Van Vechten (1880-1964), was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His family was quite prosperous, and politically speaking, they were rather liberal. He left home at the age of 19 to attend the University of Chicago. Upon graduation, he was not excited about returning home. He opted, instead, in 1903, to go to work at the Chicago American, which was a part of the Hearst chain. After being fired for a gossip column that he wrote, he left for New York City in 1906. He made various trips abroad, was wed twice, and finally settled down in New York City. While there, he went to work for the publishing company Alfred A. Knopf. It was then that he began his “crusade” to uplift and advance the goals of African-Americans. This is where his real story all begins.

Van Vechten is known more for his photography than anything else, but after meeting such prominent writers as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, James Weldon Johnson, and Countee Cullen, it was his intervention and coaxing that Langston Hughes’ “Weary Blues” became published by Alfred A. Knopf. Harlem became Van Vechten’s playground. He attended parties in Harlem as a regular pastime, rubbing elbows with the likes of Hughes, Cullen, Hurston, and many others. His fifth novel “Nigger Heaven” (a term used for the segregated section of movie houses where Negroes were seated) was published in 1926. By today’s standards, this novel is more than shocking. Naturally, it caused quite a stir when it was published. Although it was well-received, one of the few people who lauded the book was James Weldon Johnson. The book was a virtual peek into the lives of African-Americans encamped in Harlem. Many intimated that the book was merely an attempt at educating Van Vechten’s white readers about what goes on with the Negroes. In a review for “Opportunity” magazine, James Weldon Johnson wrote that Van Vechten’s writing “pays colored people the rare tribute of writing about them as people and not puppets”. By contrast, in “The Crisis”, W.E.B. Du Bois called it “neither truthful nor artistic”.

By 1932, Carl Van Vechten had begun to dedicate his life to photography. He photographed anyone who would sit still long enough. His portraits included all of the celebrities of the era, as well as the up and coming stars such as Harry Belafonte, Alvin Ailey, and Lena Horne. After giving up his writing career, and embracing his photography, he spent his final years in the role of philanthropist. He founded the James Weldon Johnson Memorial Collection of Negro Arts and Letters at Yale University. Later, he willed his collection of photographs to the same. He also directed that any proceeds and royalties from his books that would come posthumously were to go the James Weldon Johnson Memorial Collection of Negro Arts and Letters.

Carl Van Vechten died in his sleep on December 21, 1964.

This is blackstarr saying “Vive La Renaissance”. Peace.

copyright © 2008 blackstarr blackstarr52@gmail.com

Harlem Renaissance, Carl Van Vechten, James Weldon Johnson, W E B Du Bois, Langston Hughes, Zora Neal Hurston, Countee Cullen, Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald