In this heartfelt conversation, Mike interviews his father, Kenel Desgrottes, exploring his life journey from childhood in Haiti to his experiences as a musician. The discussion delves into the cultural and historical context of Haiti, the impact of the Duvalier regime, and the vibrant community life that shaped Kenel's upbringing. Through personal anecdotes, they reflect on the resilience of the Haitian spirit and the importance of music in their family legacy. In this conversation, Kenel Desgrottes shares his journey as a musician, the cultural impact of his father's music in Haiti, and his experiences growing up in a musical family. He reflects on the challenges of adjusting to life in America, particularly in New York, and discusses the joys and difficulties of parenting. Kenel also talks about his retirement and how it has allowed him to reconnect with his passion for music, leading to the release of new albums that blend traditional Haitian music with modern influences.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections
02:19 Early Life in Haiti
04:45 Cultural and Historical Context of Haiti
09:41 Haiti's Financial History and Impact of Foreign Intervention
14:14 Family Legacy and Personal Stories
19:07 The Struggles Against Colonialism and Betrayal
22:27 Haiti's Historical Context and Early Life
29:04 Growing Up in Haiti: Culture and Entertainment
36:03 The Legacy of Resistance: Haiti's Fight for Independence
45:03 Musical Heritage: A Family Legacy
45:35 The Evolution of Haitian Music and Instruments
46:48 The Birth of a Musical Legacy
49:06 Cultural Impact and Fame
50:18 Musical Influences and Early Experiences
52:02 Family and Musical Foundations
54:01 The Role of Radio in Shaping Music Taste
59:06 Finding One's Voice in Music
01:01:24 The Journey of a Working Musician
01:04:38 Transitioning to New York Life
01:10:11 Cultural Reflections in Music
01:12:42 Life in New York: Adjustments and Challenges
01:15:59 The American Dream: A Personal Perspective
01:24:11 Parenting Across Cultures
01:25:17 Retirement: A New Chapter
01:27:05 Musical Legacy and New Beginnings
01:32:39 Remembering Influences: A Tribute
