Blog #10

3 Surprises/Impacts By My Research

I have always been a fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda which does play a factor for why I chose him for my presentation. However, after doing a bit of research I realized all I really knew of him was that he is Puerto Rican and he wrote In the Heights as well as Hamilton. I always knew his works are extraordinary by my own love for them as well as how successful they have become. However, not doing my research or having much knowledge of theater and music on an educational standard I didn’t realize how much he made an effect on musical theater. By doing research I learned that besides his works being well written, a big part of it becoming so successful and influential is his authenticity of blending modern musical forms with classical musical theater. To me it was just great music and lyrics but I never realized the impact it actually made. Another thing I became aware of  was that not only does Miranda compose plenty of other songs for movies and such but that one of them was for one of my favorite Disney movies. I discovered that he received a Grammy Award and an Oscar nomination for composing the song “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana, a song I love so much. In a way it was a surprise since I didn’t know he composed it but also wasn’t surprised by the fact that it was so well written that it only makes sense he did it. Lastly, I learned by my research that Miranda actually has done a lot for his community and for others overall besides captivating them with his art.

He has actively supported the relief efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, he worked with Jennifer Lopez releasing the charity single, “Love Make The World Go Round” as a tribute to the victims of the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, he partnered with others to create the Flamboyan Arts Fund raising millions of dollars for arts and culture in Puerto Rico, he co-founded Freestyle Love Supreme a hip-hop improv group that has become very successful, and much more. Overall, he has done and given a lot to others here and to the less fortunate in his home country. In essence, by the research I have been doing on Lin-Manuel Miranda I have learned quite a lot of things about him that has made me even more of a fan and happy to do my presentation on him.