Joe Bataan began his musical experience on the street corner singing do-wops in the 1950's. During his teenage years, Bataan associated himself with street gangs. At the age of 15 he spent five years at Coxsackie State Prison for riding in a stolen vehicle. It is unknown if he was the driver of the stolen vehicle. In prison he learned music and six months after his release, he began to record music.Bataan visualized an incredible vision that perhaps several recording artist may have said it is impossible to do. His visual modality was to combine Latin music with Rhythm and Blues. As a result of this merger, Joe Bataan became known as the first recording artist to create authentically Latin Soul music. Although Latin Soul existed in the past before Joe Bataan 's merger, however these recording artists were actually Boogaloo singers. They sang English lyrics in a soulful do-wop style along with Boogaloo music. Mr. Bataan didn't coin the phrase " Latin Soul " The phrase was used in the early 60's and perhaps late 1950's. Joe actually created the music as it should have sounded. By merging Latin music with R&B tunes in the late 60's, "Latin Soul" was officially born by the creator Joe Bataan.
Artist: Joe Bataan
Album: Riot!
Title: What Good Is a Castle
Authors: Bataan
Duration: 7:03
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There are few songs by Joe Bataan that I don't like - "what good is a castle" is one of the best, a passionate cry for values that go beyond money. Love the change in tempo toward the end. Joe spoke for the common folk. His "ordinary guy" is a tribute to men and women who find love without the expectation that somebody's gotta be rich. I had the opportunity of meeting Joe at a political gig; The nicest person. Thanks for making this available to everyone.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice story TROODS. I kinda feel the same...there are a lot of songs I like by Joe but just not everything......this cut here though is definitely a keeper in my book.
ReplyDeleteG MAN