The Clave Chronicles

A journey through the history and global influence of Cuban music, hosted by ethnomusicologist Rebecca Bodenheimer.

Podcasting since 2023 • 64 episodes

The Clave Chronicles

Latest Episodes

Tribute to a master conguero, Carlos "Patato" Valdés

Raúl Fernandez joins Rebecca again to pay tribute to one of Cuba's greatest congueros, Carlos "Patato" Valdés, in honor of the centenary of his birth.Songs played:La Conga del Casino, Conjunto CasinoCuban Patato ...

August 14, 2026 • 47:06

The complicated legacy of Willie Colón

We're remembering Willie Colón, the pioneering Nuyorican trombonist who was a key figure in the rise of Fania Records and New York-based salsa. Marisol Negrón, author of Made in NuYoRico: Fania Records, Latin Music, and Salsa’s Nuyor...

April 17, 2026 • 1:16:59

The life and legacy of pianist Lilí Martínez Griñan

Ethnomusicologist Ben Lapidus joins Rebecca again to discuss the life and legacy of Cuban pianist Lilí Martínez Griñan, a Guantanamero who joined Arsenio Rodriguez's band in the 1940s and quickly became his right-hand man in terms of compositio...

March 06, 2026 • 1:09:29

Violín and hybrid worship practices in contemporary Cuba

Ethnomusicologist Robin Moore joins Rebecca to discuss the subject of his forthcoming book, Violín: Mediating Musical Style and Devotional Practice in 21st-C...

January 22, 2026 • 1:05:20

Feliz 100 años, Celia!

The most beloved Cuban musician of all time was born on this day 100 years ago: Celia Cruz. We're honoring her with a brand new episode featuring Delia Poey, a professor at Florida State University who has written extensively about Celia's Care...

October 21, 2025 • 53:20

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