The New Yorker Radio Hour

Salsa Star Rubén Blades on Acting, Politics, and the Power of Music

January 2, 2026·28 min·6-min readnarrativemusic
Podzilla Summary (6 min)
TLDR
Ruben Blades, a legendary figure in salsa music, reflects on his 50-year career as a musician, activist, and actor, discussing how his art has consistently centered on human struggles, social justice, and cultural identity without becoming political propaganda. His journey—from Panama to

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Guest

R

Ruben Blades

narrative on The New Yorker Radio Hour

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Books, people, and resources mentioned in this episode.

People

Ruben BladesGraciela MachkovskyDavid RemnickPancho CristalManuel Antonio NoriegaWynton MarsalisRoberto DelgadoDaniel SalazarStay Homas

Books

Siembraby Ruben Blades and Willie Colón

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CelebrityHip HopMoviesMusic IndustryPop CultureTrue CrimeTv Shows

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