I ain't gonna lie: it's tough for me to hear nice people say nice things about my work.
I think it may be because long ago one of my journalism professors told us that journalism's Second Commandment is: reporters report the news, they don't become part of the news (and if you're wondering, journalism's First Commandment is: if mom says she loves you, make some calls to see if it's true. But that's another topic for another time).
So when Ana and our entire production team, including NPR Music executive producer Suraya Mohamed and audio producer Noah Caldwell, ambushed me… I mean… surprised me with an episode devoted to my work on Alt.Latino, and at NPR in general, I was kinda speechless, which is not a good thing for someone who makes a living speaking into a mic.
The news peg, or the occasion, to initiate the celebration of Felix, was another celebration of Felix: I was recently selected and awarded recognition by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation for my almost 50 years of journalism.
I am most grateful that many people took time to think of my efforts to report on and cover how Latin culture is reflected in our music. But I'd prefer to think that the real celebration is about 15 years worth of interviews, conversations and live performances with artists who are in fact doing the heavy lifting of celebrating culture.
I'm just the guy standing there holding the mic.
De corazon, gracias.
This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.
Copyright 2025 NPR
