Episode 3: CBGB’s Secret Latin History

Punk In Translation

10-03-2022 • 34 mins

Did you know that the Mexican flag inspired the Ramones logo? Or that punk rockers were singing in Spanish at legendary venue CBBG during those archetypal punk days in 1970s New York City? We tell the story of Arturo Vega, the immigrant artist who designed the now globally ubiquitous Ramones logo. We meet pioneering Puerto Rican punk drummer and vocalist Rosie Rex who was welcomed at CBGB’s at the same time as she experienced racism at record companies. Blondie drummer Clem Burke talks about how Latin music permeated New York and influenced bands in that CBGB scene.