CHINITO CHINITO
Created on 02/07/2005Latest update on 20/11/2023
Artist: Ismael Diaz y su Orquesta
Author: Felguerer/Ismael Diaz
Label: Philmos
Year: 1948
Vocal: Kiko Mendive. Re-issued on Fresh Sound-lp Kiko Mendive - Un Cubano en Mexico ('09). Chavez Ravine in East L.A. was not just a Latino habitat, Chinese lived there as well. They were even smaller, both in size and wages (cleaning & cooking). Kiko stretches the typical chinese mis-pronounciation ('L' instead of 'R') in the lyrics.
Covers:
- 1949:
Don Tosti [on Philmos; vocal: Raul Diaz, type-casting chinese in the same shameless way]
- 2005:
Ry Cooder [idem on Chavez Ravine; on El U.F.O. Cajó, another track of that same cd, Ry features the same Don Tosti, speaking out on what became his last session; Ry's stereotyping cover works within his storyline, advocating for the oppressed wherever they come from]
