Roots of Rhythm

Rating:
Summary: Harry is cheesy but overall good info
Review: Harry Belafonte acts like a cheeseball sometimes, but this video has some great information for fans of latin music. It tells the story of the music, beginning in Africa and Spain, and going to Cuba and the US. Awesome music throughout, very informative movie. My only complaint is that Harry Belafonte is a dork. I have no problem with him, I just think he's a dork.

Rating:
Summary: Harry is cheesy but overall good info
Review: This 3 video collection is a must have for all interested in Latin music history from Africa to Cuba to New York. Has some amazing music clips of Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, etc.

Rating:
Summary: Best English language history of Latin Music.
Review: This 3 video collection is a must have for all interested in Latin music history from Africa to Cuba to New York. Has some amazing music clips of Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, etc.

Rating:
Summary: So Glad it's on DVD!
Review: This is one of my all time favorites, and Harry Belafonte is the perfect host. He's delightfully informal and shares personal insights along the way, such as how his contract was cancelled by the mob who ran the Copacabana because he'd married interracially.

One of the aspects I particularly enjoyed was the look at everyday life in Cuba, and the discussion of the U.S. role in that country's history. Without hammering away at the fact, Belafonte discusses our government's unwillingness to recognize Cuba's sovereignty, and expresses his hope that music will break down the barriers. But politics aside, this video series is a must-see for any student of African American music, and Spanish American heritage.