Why have we historically seen so many Black disabled musicians?

Tbh in general, most artists I know are some brand of disabled. I would be hard pressed to think of a single one I know who isn't impaired enough to have employment effected by it. I have so much baggage wrt my own art specifically because it wasnt good enough to save me that way

Ohhh nepo baby 🔔 🚨jk love the historical context!

Pretty fascinating. Appreciate the insights.

Do you think there is also an element of White Saviour Complex and ‘inspiration porn’ behind their success too? The clashing of the ‘dangerous’ othering white people often associate with Black men and the ‘harmless’ othering associated with people with disabilities?

Arsenio Rodríguez, a blind Black Cuban musician, basically invented salsa. A pioneer of caribbean music who lived in New York during the 50s and 60s.

OMG! 🤩🤩🤩 I am such a fan of yours AND Paul Barbarin, amazing to find out you're related. Those recordings he made with Luis Russel are amongst the greatest in the history of music. "Stick out your can, here comes the garbage man" is his lyric, right?

Thank you for the history! It's made me think of Sister Rosetta Tharpe who had diabetes in later life

Have you posted the Jon Batiste vid anywhere on Twitter?

Art Tatum was blind??