The Year 1898 in the Music of the Caribbean: Cuba and Puerto Rico in the Machinations of the U.S. Music Industry

This paper analyses the impact that 1898, with the subsequent occupation and intervention in Cuban affairs and the occupation and treatment of Puerto Rico as a colony by the United States, had on the music of these Caribbean nations. Among the key factors discussed that affected musical production are the commercialization of music by American recording corporations and the massive migration of musicians, especially Puerto Rican musicians, to the United States. New York, like the Caribbean before it, would become the an entrep t for musicians and musical styles, especially for Puerto Ricans. Out of this fertile mix new musical styles, such as salsa and Latin jazz, would be created.