Essay On Roberto Clemente

Did you know that Latinos began migrating to America around the 1940’s and 1950’s? Did you know that Latinos are known for their music, acting, and many other amazing talents? Did you know that Latino’s are still popular for their amazing singing, dancing, and other talents in the U.S.? Many Latinos moved to New York where they became musical sensations. They also were popular actors. By the 1940’s, Latinos such as Desi Arnaz, Jose Feliciano, Celia Cruz, and Ritchie Valens were well known singers of New York. Artists were also a big chunk of the Latino culture in America. This was the Hispanic Explosion in the U.S. and it was just beginning to start a new era of music and talent.

The Hispanic Explosion started out in the 40’s when many

Latino’s migrated to America. Most Latinos migrated to America seeking a better life and to either restart or pursue their careers. Latinos were admired for their music in mostly the pop and rock industry. Singers like Desi Arnaz helped created this wonderful era of music and dancing. Desi Arnaz moved to America in 1933 where he pursued his musical career. He starred in T.V. shows such as,”I Love Lucy” and he even directed and produced that show. He married Lucille Ball on November 30, 1940 and had two children, a boy(Desi Arnaz Jr.) and a girl(Lucie Arnaz). Their children are still alive to this day and even did a little acting in their younger days. Another popular singer was Jose Feliciano. Jose Feliciano was born blind, poor, and in Puerto Rico but later moved to America in the 50’s. This is where he became the first Latino to win a Grammy. He also was the first Latino to be invited to sing the National Anthem at a baseball game.

Celia Cruz was also a popular hispanic singer and dancer. She was known as the “Queen of Salsa.” The salsa is a popular dance between Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage. Cruz was born on October 21, 1929 in Havana, Cuba and loved music ever since then. She started out her career there, but later moved to America. She performed at many concerts for forty years straight and became the “Queen of Salsa.” Unfortunately, Cruz died on July 16, 2003 in her home in Fort Lee due to brain cancer. Another popular hispanic singer and songwriter was Ritchie Valens. Valens was born May 13, 1941 to Joseph Valenzuela and Concepcion Valenzuela. At a young age, Ritchie Valens became an extremely talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist in the rock and roll industry. He too performed at many concerts and all the young girls loved him. He was just beginning to start but sadly passed in a plane crash on February 3, 1959 at just the age 18.

Not only were Latinos noticeable through music, but through sports, too.

Roberto Clemente was a famous and very athletic baseball player. He was born as the youngest child on August 18, 1934 to Don Clemente and Luisa Walker in Puerto Rico. Roberto first started playing baseball in the major leagues for the Dodgers but then moved to play for the Royals. He later found himself in a trade for the Pirates where he made his debut as one of the greatest baseball players ever. On March 20, 1973,the Baseball Writers' Association of America held an election for the Baseball Hall of Fame and Roberto Clemente was selected to be in it. He passed away on December 31, 1972 as a Legendary baseball player. Another talented and athletic Latino was Hector “Macho” Camacho(Héctor Luis Camacho Matias). Hector was born on May 24, 1962 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico to Maria Matias and Hector Luis Camacho Sr. Hector was a professional boxer and even sang. He won many major featherweight, lightweight, and junior welterweight championships at such a young age. He pursued on with his career and won three New York Golden Gloves in 1978. Hector was such a good of a boxer that he even put someone into permanent retirement. On November 20, 2012, the legend himself was shot wounded in Puerto Rico. He died four days later due to brain

damage.

Latinos were known for their many talents in the 40’s throughout time. They came to America to pursue their careers and have a better life. Many Latinos and Latinas became popular for their talents like singing, dancing, and athletic abilities. Those that who have died will go down in history as legends. To this day, Latinos have taken the talents of those before them and continue to show it. They have helped take their ancestors talents, and create something new out of if. This is what I call a new era of the Hispanic Explosion.