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How did Lin-Manuel Miranda, the sweet, sensitive son of Puerto Rican parents from an immigrant neighborhood in Manhattan, rise to become the preeminent musical storyteller of the 21st century? Lin-Manuel The Education of an Artist offers a compelling narrative that traces Miranda’s path from a friendly but isolated child to the winner of multiple Tonys and Grammys for his Broadway hits Hamilton and In the Heights, a global chart-topping sensation for his songs in Disney’s Moana and Encanto, and the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize and a MacArthur Genius Grant.
Miranda’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and cultural synthesis. Despite not being a musical prodigy, Miranda’s insatiable drive to create art and learn from those around him propelled him to synthesize his Latino heritage with the pop, hip-hop, and Broadway musical styles of New York City. The unique blend allowed him to craft a new way of telling American stories.
Drawing on over 150 interviews with Miranda’s family, friends, and mentors, including insights from Miranda himself, Daniel Pollack-Pelzner delves into the formative experiences that shaped Miranda’s artistic vision. From his early musicals in high school and college to the creation of his professional masterpieces, this book reveals the sources of Miranda’s creativity—not as innate genius, but as a result of exceptional openness and collaboration. With full access to Miranda’s inner circle, this behind-the-scenes origin story is sure to captivate his legions of fans and beyond.
“HAMILTON was a history lesson set to rap music. Most people don't know the story of Alexander Hamilton, despite our seeing his face every day on the $10 bill, LOL. All the characters are real people from history (George Washington, Aaron Burr, King George, etc.). "Hamilton" sings/raps his unusual story, and talks about his contributions to U.S. history. The reasons why the play was so popular were the compelling story, the modern twist on history, the clever raps, the dancing, the fact that nearly all the cast are people of color - - which I think was Lin-Manuel's not-so-subtle message that U.S. history/foundation and contributions are NOT lily-white. Some historians say that Hamilton himself had a grandmother of color, though it hasn't been substantiated. However, he was born and raised in the Caribbean before coming to the U.S. colonies to study and start his career.”
I also asked her about her impressions of In the Heights, which I watched last night for the first time on television. She says:
“IN THE HEIGHTS & HAMILTON are very, very different plays. IN THE HEIGHTS was the story of a young man growing up as a first-generation American in Washington Heights, the predominantly Dominican neighborhood in Manhattan. The play is a celebration of the unique culture of the neighborhood. Great music and dancing - - just a feel-good experience that's high energy from start to finish.”
I found it interesting that Lin-Manuel had to sometimes deal with the fact that language had an affect on interpretation. Also, while reading I was thoroughly impressed with his thought and writing process.
Latino representation was important to Lin-Manuel, and his writing, performing and directing definitely showed that. Just as he was making his name known with his musical and writing talents, one of his productions was greatly affected by the pandemic. His genius still shone through and, thus, Tick, Tick … Boom was filmed.
Memoirs are important when it comes to reading. There are things that most of us would never have any idea about certain people who deserve their place in history. This could not be more true of Lin-Manuel. After reading this book, I am really able to appreciate how Lin-Manuel received so many honorable awards, and also the fact that he was nominated for so many more.
I’m even more inspired by the numerous musical credits this incredible man has accumulated. Among them is the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from the immensely popular Encanto movie. I can’t help but hum the melody of this song, especially after watching it for the umpteenth time with my grandchildren.
Daniel Pollack-Pelzner not only got approval from Lin-Manuel to compose this biography, he had countless interviews with Lin-Manuel, as well as family members, teachers, professionals and more. This extensively researched book makes me appreciate the brilliance of Lin-Manuel and the trials he has endured over the years in order to share his immense wealth of talent with fans.
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