Salsa History by Hannah Martin

Salsa History explores the vibrant and complex story of salsa music, a globally recognized genre with surprisingly recent roots. The book traces salsa's journey from its diverse musical origins, including Cuban son and mambo, to its explosion in New York City and subsequent globalization.

It highlights the fascinating cultural exchange that fueled salsa's creation, emphasizing how it's not simply a Cuban or Puerto Rican invention, but rather a hybrid genre born from the unique confluence of cultures in New York. The book uniquely emphasizes the perspectives of the musicians and dancers who shaped the genre. It adopts a narrative non-fiction style, blending historical research with engaging storytelling.

Beginning with the musical foundations in Cuba, the narrative shifts to New York City, highlighting the contributions of key figures and venues, before exploring salsa's spread across Latin America, Europe, and beyond. The book concludes by considering the contemporary landscape of salsa and its ongoing evolution.