Luís Días Way (Manhattan)
Present name:165th Street
Location:Between Audubon Avenue and Amsterdam Avenue
Honoree: Luís Días (1952-2009) was a Dominican folk and rock guitarist, singer and composer. He began as guitarist and singer for the band Convite but went on to become the most important and prolific Dominican composer of our time. He was known for his bold musical fusions and myriad styles. Many called him the “Father of Dominican rock.” He mixed rock, reggae, jazz and blues with over 40 native rhythms of the Dominican Republic, including merengue, bachata and mangulina. More than 300 of his compositions have been recorded by different artists and music bands. He lived in New York from 1980 to 1982, where he taught Dominican traditional music workshops at the American Museum of Natural History. In 1982, he formed the legendary Dominican rock band Transporte Urbano, which mixed a wide range of musical styles, including bachata and heavy metal. From 1999 to 2000, he was the vice-director of Casa De La Cultura Dominicana, an organization responsible for promoting Dominican Culture in New York City. His many books included "Tránsito Entre Guácaras", a book of verse that recreates Taíno myths. He received many international awards and recognitions and was a cult figure who transformed contemporary Dominican music. (Rodriguez)
LL:2018/139