Origin of the Word "Salsa"

[David]

I gathered a little more information from the book "Musica!" by Sue Stewart. She started out by saying that kitchen terms were already well established in Jazz (such as "cooking" and "tasty"). There seem to be many theories about the origin of the term, but there was song performed by the Cuban son group Sexteto Habanero, called "Echale salsita", which means "out sauce on it". Also, in the forties and fifties, Cuban superstar Beny More signed off his show with the catchy phrase, "Hola, Salsa" ("Hey Sauce").

In more modern times, Venezuelan DJ Danilo Phidiad Escalona, called his show, La Hora del sabor, las salsa y el bembe, which translates to "the hour of flavor, spiciness and liturgy".

By the late 70's the word salsa came to be synonymous with the sound of Latin New York, and Fania records played a defining role in this. Peurto Rican New Yorker Izzy Sanabria was both the designer of many of their distinctive and brilliant album covers, and also the MC to the Fania All Stars. Throughout their shows he would exclaim, "Salsa!". He also had a magazine called "Sanabria" where the terms was used extensively to describe the music covered therein.

[Guarachero]

I gathered a little more information from the book "Musica!" by Sue Stewart. She started out by saying that kitchen terms were already well established in Jazz (such as "cooking" and "tasty"). There seem to be many theories about the origin of the term, but there was song performed by the Cuban son group Sexteto Habanero, called "Echale salsita", which means "out sauce on it". Also, in the forties and fifties, Cuban superstar Beny More signed off his show with the catchy phrase, "Hola, Salsa" ("Hey Sauce").

In more modern times, Venezuelan DJ Danilo Phidiad Escalona, called his show, La Hora del sabor, las salsa y el bembe, which translates to "the hour of flavor, spiciness and liturgy".

By the late 70's the word salsa came to be synonymous with the sound of Latin New York, and Fania records played a defining role in this. Peurto Rican New Yorker Izzy Sanabria was both the designer of many of their distinctive and brilliant album covers, and also the MC to the Fania All Stars. Throughout their shows he would exclaim, "Salsa!". He also had a magazine called "Sanabria" where the terms was used extensively to describe the music covered therein.

Son means melodious inspiration in the Cuban lexicon and it dates back to 1582 from the mountainous people in eastern province of Oriente. The 1970s was probably when US became aware of the name.

And it is not a Latin rhythm, just a Cuban rhythm stripped off its rightful ownership.

[peachexploration]

To elaborate on David's thread topic. The Origin of the Word "Salsa". When did we start calling this music, Salsa? We know it translates to Sauce but when did we start associating the "Name" Salsa "with" the Music? :D

[Guarachero]

I still sustain that the 30s and 50s had influenced this name. Escalona started it, but I believe Tito Puente had a lot to do with it during the first years of Celia Cruz in exile.

[peachexploration]

...... but I believe Tito Puente had a lot to do with it during the first years of Celia Cruz in exile.
Okay, I thought he hated the term? If I remember correctly, he didn't like his music being called "Sauce" so to speak or do you mean he influenced others against calling it that during that time frame?

[Guarachero]

According to rumors, in New York he mentioned the word in referrence to one of his performances. I think he's got a lot to do with it. I know that he may have been influenced by renegade Cubans who refuse to recognize the latest influences of Colombia, PR, DR, Venezuela and New York to the Casino music.

[Rey de la Pista]

...... but I believe Tito Puente had a lot to do with it during the first years of Celia Cruz in exile.
Okay, I thought he hated the term? If I remember correctly, he didn't like his music being called "Sauce" so to speak or do you mean he influenced others against calling it that during that time frame?
you're right... tito puente never liked the term (or at least didn't like the identification of his style as salsa).

[Guarachero]

...... but I believe Tito Puente had a lot to do with it during the first years of Celia Cruz in exile.
Okay, I thought he hated the term? If I remember correctly, he didn't like his music being called "Sauce" so to speak or do you mean he influenced others against calling it that during that time frame?
you're right... tito puente never liked the term (or at least didn't like the identification of his style as salsa).

Good. You seem to have established that. I had different information. Still many Cubans don't like Casino to be called Salsa, but time change and the name Salsa does not sound bad to me. I think it makes sense :) :)