“The Peanut Vendor” at 96: The Cuban Song That Helped Latin Music Conquer America - World Music Views

“The Peanut Vendor” at 96: The Cuban Song That Helped Latin Music Conquer America - World Music Views

September 1930 marked a turning point in the history of Latin music. A Cuban street cry, transformed into a record called “El Manisero” — “The Peanut Vendor” — became an international sensation and helped introduce Cuban rhythm to millions of listeners. Ninety-six years later, its influence can still be heard across Latin music, jazz, African popular music and beyond. It began with a voice calling out peanuts for sale. “El Manisero,” composed by…