A Tango With Robert Farris Thompson

<p>One of the spiritual fathers of Afropop Worldwide has joined the ancestors. After an extraordinarily rich and full life, Dr. Robert Farris Thompson -- or, as he preferred to be called, "T" -- passed on November 29, 2021, at the age of 88. Through his books, lectures and mentorship, T revolutionized the study of African art and culture beginning in the 1950s, and he inspired generations of students and scholars.</p> <p>While his academic discipline was art history, music was central to his conception. This program was produced as an Afropop Worldwide Hip Deep episode in 2005 to celebrate his book <em>Tango: The Art History of Love</em>. In it, T talks to Ned Sublette about the erotic Afro-Argentine dance whose Kikongo-derived name he renders as "moving in time to a beat." With musical examples galore. We present it in loving memory.</p> <p>APWW <a href="https://soundcloud.com/tags/479" rel="noopener" target="_blank">#479</a><br>Produced by Ned Sublette</p>