I had a wonderful time celebrating the Christmas holiday this year. I ate a fabulous traditional Puerto Rican meal of roast pork, arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), coquito (rum and coconut cream/milk aka. Boricua's eggnog), greens, fried chicken, shrimp cocktail and more prepared by my father, aunt and uncle (time to hit the gym). I also reunited with family members I don't get to see very often. Many who live just a cross-bridge away, and others some thousands of miles away; such as my mother who came to visit from New York City and my cousin Jon who flew in from Tokyo.
Traditional Christmas music has always been my favorite part to commemorate the festivities. From El Gran Combo and Willie Colon with Hector Lavoe's salsa (NOT the sauce) and Ramito's aguinaldos (traditional Puerto Rican holiday folk music) to the Rudolph and Santa Clause jingles. I realize the enjoyment and blessings of having two cultures. But, one of my favorite holiday songs "Santa Baby," definitely brought a tear of joy and sadness as I had heard the news that the singer Eartha Mae Kitt, who brought the composition to its fame had passed away.
Best known for her role as Catwoman in the 1960's television series Batman, Eartha brought the "rraow" out in all of us. Even little girls born 20 year's after the series practiced the catwalk and famous purr. Her famous performances of "Love for Sale," showcased her comfortable ability to have fun with crowds of many differences, bringing them together in order to watch the extravagant-sassy "Kitt-witt" she wanted to share.
Long before Madonna walked on the sexy-cabaret list, of red carpet leading women performers, Lady Kitt serenaded fans from the early 1950s and continued to hold the throne with tours around the world throughout the 1980s. I could go all day writing about how much Eartha meant to me as a female artist of liberation, diversity and pride, but I myself must continue to live, laugh, work, love and perform to remember 2008 and to bring in what's coming in 2009. You will be missed Ms. Eartha Mae and gracias for the memorable tune that will continue to live through each and every Christmas day celebrated. May you and passed Christmas deceased Mr. James Brown keep the freedom-musical expression spirit alive.
MI's artists of the week:
NETO
Mural artist showcasing Latino revolutionary art and expression.
www.myspace.com/neto