Oral history interview with Patrick Hylton

Patrick Hylton spoke about how he became involved in the music scene in Washington, DC; a description and the evolution of reggae, including the instruments used, in the Washington, DC region and internationally; why he decided to come to Washington, DC; why he applied to Howard University; how he supported himself financially while attending Howard University; returning to Jamaica for about 5 years after he finished school in the United States; and why he returned to the United States again; plays he wrote; his law practice and political action work; and his wife and children. He identified himself as a Caribbean citizen, American citizen, and citizen of the world. Hylton explained the relationship between Rastafarianism and reggae music; the history and relationship of ska, rocksteady, dancehall, and reggae music; the relationship between culture, everyday life, and music with descriptive examples; how and why music changes over time, illustrating changing economic, political, and social conditions; music comes from the people; and the role and purpose of music in people's lives. He also discussed crime and the posse; and racial, ethnic, and national origin discrimination. Hylton stated he writes plays and uses music in the plays, including his current work on a reggae musical. He talked about the lewd and vulgar content, and lack of creativity in current music; and explained there is nothing for him to learn from current music. Interview is in English. Digital audio files include very loud white noise and static; loud background noise, including people talking and sirens; and a little sound distortion. Interviewee's voice is difficult to hear at times.