Studies how Alí Primera became intertwined with venezuelan politics both during and after his lifetime
Avoids the 'top down' political perspective often included in much of the literature from this period
Provides a greater understanding of how Chávez successfully identified himself with the Venezuelan masses
Table of contents (8 chapters)
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Back Matter
Pages 215-239
About this book
Unlike much of the literature on Venezuela in the Chávez period, this book shifts focus away from 'top down' perspectives to examine how Venezuelan folksinger Alí Primera (1942-1985) became intertwined with Venezuelan politics, both during his lifetime and posthumously. Alí’s ‘Necessary Songs’ offered cultural resources that enabled Chávez to connect with pre-existing patterns of grassroots activism in ways that resonated deeply with the poor and marginalised masses. Official support for Alí’s legacy led the songs to be used in new ways in the Chávez period, as Venezuelans actively engaged with them to redefine themselves in relation to the state and to reach new understandings of their place within a changed society. This book is essential reading not only for those interested in popular music and politics, but for all those seeking to better understand how Chávez was able to successfully identify himself so profoundly with the Venezuelan masses, and they with him.
Keywords
- Cultural politics
- Social movements
- History of music
- Latin American history
- Twentieth century
Authors and Affiliations
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School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
Hazel Marsh
About the author
Hazel Marsh is Lecturer in the School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies at the University of East Anglia, UK. She has researched, and published on, popular music and the Mexican student movement, Venezuelan cultural policy in the Chávez period, resistance music in Oaxaca, Mexico, and representations of British Gypsies.