The New Yorker Radio Hour Salsa Star Rubén Blades on Acting, Politics, and the Power of Music
Jan 2, 2026
Rubén Blades, the legendary Panamanian musician and former politician, joins journalist Graciela Mochkovsky for an engaging conversation. They discuss Blades’ ability to blend social commentary with salsa music, his journey from law school to global fame, and the political implications of songwriting, stressing the difference between art and propaganda. He shares insights on the importance of representation for Latinos in media and his collaborations with younger artists, all while emphasizing salsa's unique power to unite people on the dance floor.
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Unexpected Start In New York
- Rubén Blades landed his first New York recording after helping at a Panama studio and impressing producer Pancho Cristal.
- He recorded an album in New York, then returned to Panama to finish law school before resuming music later.
From Law Graduate To Fania Mailroom
- Rubén moved to Florida in 1974 after political pressure on his family and found his law degree unrecognized.
- He called Fania Records, got rejected as a singer, and accepted a mailroom job that led to musical opportunities.
Music As Reporting, Not Propaganda
- Rubén argues political songs become propaganda when they push ideology instead of reporting.
- He aims to write like a newspaper reporter: balanced, factual, and careful to avoid lying.