The Morrisania neighborhood in the heart of the Bronx has long been home to musicians and musical innovation, starting in the 1880s as the piano manufacturing capital of the U.S. In the 1940s and 50s, nightclubs on Boston Road and Prospect Avenue hosted legends of jazz, be-bop, and Latin music. Doo-wop groups like The Chiffons, The Chords, and The Chantals got their start in local high school music programs before gaining nationwide fame. Latin bugalú and salsa became popular in the Bronx from the interplay of Black and Latin musical traditions fused with jazz and R&B. And hip hop was born at Morrisania block parties DJ’d by Grandmaster Flash and Kool Herc.

Waves of social and economic change are closely intertwined with this musical history, from the construction and later demolition of the Third Avenue elevated train, remarkably diverse housing developments and schools, redlining and disinvestment, the fires that raged in the South Bronx in the 1970s and 80s that led to visits by Presidents Reagan and Carter, and community activists that have and continue to rebuild and innovate.

This walking tour, led by Elena Martinez, co-Artistic Director of Bronx Music Heritage Center, will explore the musical and social history of Morrisania, highlighting some of the cultural landmarks that shaped American music.

This tour is part of OHNY’s ongoing program series Building Capital: The Value of Place. From municipal bonds to affordable housing tax credits, highway construction to park development, the flow of financial capital underpins the design and function of the built environment, shaping who has access to opportunity—and who does not. Building Capital: The Value of Place examines different types of new investments in historically underserved neighborhoods and highlights the work of community organizations in promoting equitable investment and preserving the cultural heritage of longtime residents at risk of displacement.

It is also part of the Legacies of Redlining: Preservation and Development series produced in partnership with the Historic Districts Council and AIANY.

This is an outdoor walking tour on public streets, which may be uneven or difficult to traverse with assistive devices. Attendees should dress for the weather.

The tour will take place rain or shine. Refunds will only be offered in the event that the tour is cancelled by the tour guide.