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

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