Throwback Thursday 8/12 – Ruben Blades and Life of Surprises

It’s Throwback Thursday once again and that means that New Music Friday is just a few ticks of the clock away. This week we’re bringing it back to 1970s New York City and the roots of salsa. We’re talking about Ruben Blades and his 1978 song, “Pedro Navaja”.

Born Rubén Blades Bellido de Luna in Panama in 1948, Blades is one of the most interesting characters in all of Latin music. He is a noted artist, writer, and even politician. Blades has written a number of massive hits over the course of his career. Blades is the original author of “El Cantante”, which is consider Hector Lavoe’s signature track. His style has evolved over the years but has touched on salsa as well as other forms.

Blades ran for President of Panama in 1994. While he didn’t win, he did garner 17% of the vote, which is no small feat. He did end up serving as Panama’s Minister of Tourism. Ruben Blades has also appeared in a number of films throughout the years. He most recently had a leading role in Fear the Walking Dead.

Pedro Navaja

This week’s song is “Pedro Navaja”. This is one of the most noteworthy songs in Blades long and storied career. It’s the story of a fictional criminal named Pedro Navaja. Navaja walks through the streets of New York City, knife in hand with a distinctive gold tooth. He eventually comes across a prostitute in an empty alley. He charges her and stabs her but in the process is shot and killed. The prostitute also dies. A homeless man comes across the scene, takes the gun the knife, and two dollars and escapes into the night.

The video is abit on the violent end for our usual posts. The violence contrasted with the salsa composition is also a unique choice but contributes to what’s supposed to be a darkly humorous take on the situation. The supposed commonality of the violent experience is what helped bring this song to fame in Latin America.

Willie Colon, who we will talk about in the near future, is credited on the track as well. For Colon, this is just another legendary song in his repertoire.

From 1978, “Pedro Navaja”.

For last week’s post click here.