THIS WEEK ON LATINOPIA: REMEMBERING TRINI LÓPEZ WITH MIKE GÓMEZ, PUERTO RICO’S ELECTION FOUL-UP WITH JOSÉ “GUGO” UMPIERRE, RICARDO ROMO’S TEJANO REPORT ON THE PANDEMIC AND A PERSONAL HISTORY, MARK GUERRERO’S MUSIC CHRONICLES INTERVIEW WITH TRINI LÓPEZ AND BURUNDANGA BORICUA ON PUERTO RICO HITTING BOTTOM.
This week we are sad to announce the passing of a music legend, internationally acclaimed singing star Trini López. Known to millions for hits like “If I had a Hammer,” “Lemon Tree,” and “La Bamba,” Trini succumbed due to coronavirus complications on August 9, 2020. In a Latinopia Plática, veteran stage, film and television actor Mike Gómez, a family friend, shares his remembrance of Trini. Also this week, we repost Mark Guerrero’s interview with Trini on his podcast, Chicano Music Chronicles. Be sure to check out this interview and get Trini’s amazing back story.
This week saw a major foul up in Puerto Rico when sixty percent of the ballots never arrived at the election polls. Latinopia blogger Jose “Gugo” Umpierre brings us up to date on the fiasco in a Latinopia Plática and tells us what to expect from the new election to take place on Sunday, August 16, 2020. Gugo also offers us a more in-depth analysis in Spanish in an essay titled “Tocar Fondo,” (Hitting the Botttom).
Also this week, Ricardo Romo’s Tejano Report on the pandemic with “Memory and Family History.”
Lots to check out this week on Latinopia, but be sure to wear your mask and keep social distancing!
Tia Tenopia