Making Samba: A New History of Race and Music in Brazil

Making Samba traces the history of Brazil's most iconic musical genre from its origins through the mid-twentieth century. The book centers on Rio de Janeiro and examines the roles of musicians, journalists, scholars, and recording industry figures in shaping both the music and its cultural significance. Author Marc A. Hertzman draws on extensive archival research to document samba's evolution from a marginalized Afro-Brazilian practice to a symbol of national identity. The narrative follows key figures in samba's development, including composers, performers, and cultural power brokers who influenced its trajectory. The text examines conflicts over intellectual property, cultural authority, and the commercialization of samba during Brazil's transition to a modern nation-state. Through careful analysis of primary sources, Hertzman reconstructs the social networks and power dynamics that determined who could profit from and claim ownership of this musical tradition. This work challenges conventional narratives about race, class and cultural production in Brazil by revealing the complex negotiations between different groups who shaped samba's meaning and legacy. The book contributes to broader discussions about how popular culture intersects with national identity formation and social inequality.

Readers appreciate Hertzman's detailed research into samba's racial and socioeconomic complexity in early 20th century Brazil. Many note his success in dispelling simplified narratives about samba's origins. Liked: - Thorough archival documentation and primary sources - Focus on overlooked figures like Tio Faustino and Assumano Mina - Analysis of intellectual property and copyright issues - Coverage of musicians' economic struggles Disliked: - Dense academic writing style - Overemphasis on legal/business aspects - Limited discussion of musical elements - Some readers wanted more cultural context One reviewer noted it "reads more like a legal history than a music history." Another praised how it "finally gives credit to forgotten Black pioneers." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (13 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (6 ratings) Google Books: No ratings JSTOR: Multiple positive academic reviews The book receives stronger ratings from academic readers than general audience readers.

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🎵 Despite samba's origins among poor and working-class Black Brazilians, by the 1930s white composers were earning significantly more money from the genre than Black artists, highlighting early racial inequities in Brazil's music industry. 🌎 The book challenges the common narrative that samba emerged solely from Rio de Janeiro, showing how the music style developed through complex networks spanning multiple Brazilian cities and regions. 📚 Marc A. Hertzman spent over a decade researching this book, conducting interviews with musicians' families and examining previously unexplored archives in Brazil. 👥 The term "samba" initially referred to various African-derived dances and gatherings before becoming associated with the specific musical genre we know today. 🎼 The book details how samba transformed from a criminalized activity in the early 1900s to Brazil's national music by the 1930s, largely through the efforts of Black musicians and composers who fought for recognition and rights.