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How bachata rose from Dominican Republic’s brothels and shantytowns to become a global sensation

  • Written by Wilfredo José Burgos Matos, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Latin American and Latino Studies, Lehman College, CUNY
imageOnce viewed by elites with disdain, bachata has become popular worldwide.Erika Santelices/AFP via Getty Images

What began as songs about heartbreak in the brothels and barrios of the Dominican Republic in the 1960s has become a worldwide sensation.

Even the Bee Gees have gotten a bachata spin. Prince Royce’s bilingual take on the 1977 hit...

Read more: How bachata rose from Dominican Republic’s brothels and shantytowns to become a global sensation

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