Ghetto Brothers facts for kids
The Ghetto Brothers were a group and music band that started in the South Bronx, New York City, in the late 1960s. They wanted to help and uplift young Latino and Black men in their community.
Quick facts for kids
Ghetto Brothers
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| Also known as | The Ghetto Brothers |
| Origin | United States Puerto Rico |
| Genres | Funk Soul Latin Hip Hop Rock Salsa Garage rock Rock en Español |
| Years active | 1964-Present |
| Labels | Salsa Records |
| Associated acts | Benjy and the Junior Beatles |
| Members | Benjamin "Yellow Benjy" Melendez (lead vocals) Victor Melendez (bass) Luis Bristo (drums) Franky Valentin(timbales) Chiqui Concepcion (Congas) Angelo Garcia (Bongos) David Silva (lead guitar) Robert Melendez (rhythm guitar) |
Contents
The Ghetto Brothers' Story
The Ghetto Brothers started in the South Bronx, New York City, in the late 1960s. This group grew and spread to many parts of the Northeastern United States. They were very involved in helping their community.
Community Work and Politics
The Ghetto Brothers were interested in politics, especially supporting the Puerto Rico independence movement. They worked with the Puerto Rican Socialist Party. Their main goal was to help young Latino and Black men in their neighborhoods. They wanted to create a better future for them.
Respect for Women: The Ghetto Sisters
Under the leadership of Benjamin Melendez, the Ghetto Brothers treated women with great respect. The women connected to the group were called the "Ghetto Sisters." This name showed how much they were valued. Unlike many other groups at the time, the Ghetto Brothers saw women as important members and partners. They were not treated as property.
Notable Members
Some people who were part of the Ghetto Brothers later became well-known. Eddie Perez, who later became the mayor of Hartford, Connecticut, was a member when he was young. Robert Dominguez, a writer for the New York Daily News, also led a Ghetto Brothers division in the Bronx as a teenager.
Why the Name "Ghetto Brothers"?
The name "Ghetto Brothers" was chosen by Hui Cambrelen. He was one of the original founders, along with Ray DelaVega and Benji Melendez. The name reflected their connection to their community.
The Ghetto Brothers Band
Benjamin Melendez, who left the main organization in 1976, was also a talented guitar player. He led a music band that was also called the Ghetto Brothers. His late brother, Victor Melendez, played the bass in the band.
Their Music Album
The band released one album in 1971 called Ghetto Brothers - Power-Fuerza. At first, it was only shared informally within their local community. However, this album has since been re-released on CD, allowing more people to hear their unique sound.
Music Released
- 1971 – Ghetto Brothers - Power-Fuerza (Salsa Records - SLP 2008)
See also
In Spanish: Ghetto Brothers para niños
