Ep 8. Songs of the Past

In Finding Your Roots season 8 episode 8 titled "Songs of the Past," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves into the family histories of three prominent musicians to discover the origins of their love for music. He examines how their ancestors' experiences with love, loss, and oppression shaped their musical talents and led them on the path to success.

First on the list is singer Gloria Estefan, whose family fled from Cuba to escape Fidel Castro's regime. Gates explores how her grandfather's political activism and imprisonment influenced her parents' decision to leave their home country for a better life in the United States. Through archival footage and interviews with family members, Gates uncovers Estefan's deep connection to Cuba and the impact it had on her career as a Latina artist.

Next, Gates turns his attention to musician Adam Levine, frontman of the band Maroon 5. Levine's family history is filled with tragedy, from the early death of his grandfather to his parents' divorce when he was a child. Gates uncovers how these events shaped Levine's songwriting and his desire to use music as an outlet for his emotions. With the help of a genealogist, Gates uncovers a surprising family connection that reveals new insights into Levine's ancestry.

Finally, Gates explores the family history of country singer Keb' Mo', whose real name is Kevin Roosevelt Moore. Keb' Mo's father was a blues musician who left his family when Keb' Mo' was young, leaving him with a deep sense of longing for a connection to his music. Through interviews with family members and extensive genealogical research, Gates traces Keb' Mo's African American, Native American, and European roots to uncover the cultural influences that inspired his musical career.

Throughout the episode, Gates highlights the power of music to connect people across generations and cultures. He shows how the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors can shape our own experiences and inspire us to create great art. Whether it's the rhythmic beats of salsa or the mournful tones of the blues, music has the ability to tell our stories and bring us closer together as a global community.