Happy Birthday to Julian Olivares — writer, editor, translator, educator, and US Navy veteran — who was born in San Antonio, Texas on December 6, 1941. Olivares earned his BA at California State University and his MA at the University of Texas. Olivares served at several universities, and won grants from institutions such as the… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Julian Olivares 1941
Tag: 1941
Happy Birthday to “Chucho” Jesús Dionisio Valdés
Happy Birthday to “Chucho” Jesús Dionisio Valdés, the Grammy Award winning jazz pianist and composer, born in Quivicán, Cuba. Chucho’s early life reads like a Hollywood script: his parents were musicians who were well known at the famous Tropicana Club in roaring pre-revolutionary Havana. Chucho met the great American jazz musicians performing there, including Nat… Continue reading Happy Birthday to “Chucho” Jesús Dionisio Valdés
Happy Birthday to Florencia Bisenta de Casillas Martinez Cardona
Among our Latinas that you may not know know are Latina: Happy Birthday to Florencia Bisenta de Casillas Martinez Cardona, known as Vikki Carr, born on July 19, 1941. Carr is a singer and humanitarian from El Paso Texas, who has performed in diverse genres, including jazz, pop, and country. Carr sang at the Republication… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Florencia Bisenta de Casillas Martinez Cardona
Happy Birthday to Lucille Roybal-Allard, US Congresswoman
Happy Birthday to Lucille Roybal-Allard, born in California on June 12, 1941. Allard was the first Mexican American woman elected to the US Congress. She is a graduate of the California State University in Los Angeles. Roybal-Allard is a strong supporter of social legislation, particularly jobs, health care, education, housing, women’s rights, and the environment. … Continue reading Happy Birthday to Lucille Roybal-Allard, US Congresswoman
Richard Steven Valenzuela 1941
The electrifying voice that sang “La Bamba”, the rock and roll version of a traditional Mexican ballad, was first heard on May 13, 1941, with the birth of Richard Steven Valenzuela. Later known as Ritchie Valens, he was a Mexican-American singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose brief but brilliant career influenced a generation of musicians, including… Continue reading Richard Steven Valenzuela 1941
Sérgio Mendes and Brasil ’66
Today is the birthday of Brazilian bossa nova composer and musician, Sergio Mendes (1941 – 2024), born on February 11, 1941 in Niterói, Brazil (1941 – 2024). He immigrated to New York City in 1964, and soon created the group, Brasil 66, signing with A&M records. Their first A&M release, “Sérgio Mendes and Brasil ’66”… Continue reading Sérgio Mendes and Brasil ’66
Happy Birthday to Joan Baez
January 9, 1941 is the birthday of Joan Baez, a Mexican-American folk singer, songwriter, and activist for human rights, peace, and the environment. Her father, Albert Baez, was born in Puebla, Mexico. Baez’s wonderful accomplishments include founding the US branch of Amnesty International, performing publicly for over 50 years and releasing 30 albums. 09 de… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Joan Baez