The Genius of Lin-Manuel Miranda

In this episode of The Music in Me, I’m so excited to take you on a deep dive into the brilliant career of Lin-Manuel Miranda! From his breakout success with In the Heights to the revolutionary impact of Hamilton, we’ll explore how Lin has changed the face of Broadway by blending musical theater with hip-hop, R&B, and Latin sounds. And it doesn’t stop there—he’s also brought his magic to Disney with hits like Moana and Encanto. But that’s not all! I’ve got some fun facts up my sleeve, including how Lin is a freestyle rap wizard—seriously, this guy can rap about anything on the spot! Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering his genius, this episode is packed with everything you need to know about one of the most influential voices in modern theater.

PROJECTS  MENTIONED...

In The Heights
Hamilton
Moana
Encanto
Mary Poppins Returns

SONGS MENTIONED...

From In The Heights: 
96,000
Breathe
Paciencia y Fe

From Hamilton:
My Shot
The Room Where it Happened
Satisfied
Yorktown
One Last Time

From Moana:
How Far I'll Go

From Encanto:
We Don't Talk About Bruno

Song for Puerto Rico:
Almost Like Praying

Transcript

Speaker A: 0:21

Hello, everybody. Welcome back to the music in me. I'm your host, Harry. And today I am so excited because we are diving into the brilliant mind behind some of the most iconic music in modern theater and film. The one and only Lin Manuel Miranda. Now, I don't know about you, but every time I hear the opening chords of in the heights or Hamilton, I get chills. Lin's music just moves you. And whether you're singing along to my shot or belting out, we don't talk about Bruno. There's no denying that Lin Manuel Miranda has created an incredible legacy that continues to inspire us all. I am so happy that you're here to geek out with me about his journey, his greatest hits, and why we just can't get enough of his genius. Also, if you're loving this episode or if you've loved any of the other ones, please, please share the music in me with your friends, family, your next door neighbor, heck, even that co worker who you think would secretly love land Manuel if they gave him a chance. Just hit that share button, post it to your socials and let's spread the love together. I promise I will post more. I know I say that a lot. It's hard to post. That is not something that is as much fun when it's posting for myself. It's just. I mean, I'd much rather do the podcast and see where that takes me. All right, everybody get comfy because we are about to take a deep dive into the world of Lin Manuel Miranda. Are you ready? Let's go then. Okay, so let's talk about the man, the myth, the musical legend, Lin Manuel Miranda. If you dont know his name by now, I have to ask, have you been living under a rock? Because this guy is everywhere and for good reason. Lin Manuel is the genius behind some of the most game changing musicals and movie soundtracks of the past decade. First, lets start with in the heights, his love letter to the vibrant Washington Heights neighborhood in New York City where he grew up. This was a show that put him on the map, bringing a fresh mix of hip hop, latin music and a classic Broadway flair. It was like nothing Broadway had seen before. Completely groundbreaking. Then of course, theres Hamilton. Youve heard of that, right? A little show about americas founding fathers told through hip hop and r and b. With a cast as diverse as the story it tells. Oh, and no big deal. It only won eleven Tony awards, a Pulitzer Prize and pretty much took over the world. With Hamilton, Lin Manuel didn't just rewrite history, he made history. But he didn't stop there. He also brought his songwriting magic to the world of Disney. Remember those catchy tunes from Moana? Yep, that was him. And encanto he gave us. We don't talk about Bruno, which is still living rent free in all of our heads. I love that song so much. So why is Lin Manuel Miranda such a big deal? Well, not only does he blend genres in ways that make you want to dance, sing, and think all at the same time, but his storytelling is next level. He's taken the traditional Broadway musical and flipped it on its head. Hes telling our stories with characters and voices that represent everyone. Lynn didnt just change Broadway. He changed whats possible on stage and screen. Hes created a whole new musical language that speaks to everyone, whether youre a theater nerd, a hip hop fan, or just someone who loves a good story. And honestly, we are so here for it. I know I am. How about you? Let's rewind just a little bit back to where it all began, within the heights. Now this is the show that introduced the world to Lin Manuel Miranda. Picture a young, scrappy Lin, fresh out of college, sitting in his dorm room writing a musical that would soon flip Broadway upside down. That's in the Heights. His love letter to Washington Heights, the New York City neighborhood where he grew up. At its heart, in the Heights is about community, family and figuring out who you are in a world that's constantly changing. And honestly, don't we all feel that way sometimes? The musical is packed with heart, and it feels so personal because Lin poured so much of his own experience into it. The characters, they're real people, from your neighbors to the people you see at the corner bodega every morning. Its a story about dreamers, the people hustling, grinding, and making something out of nothing. And in the heights nailed that perfectly, showing the joys and struggles of the Latinx community in Washington Heights. And then there are the songs. If you havent danced around your living room to 96,000, are you even living? That song has energy for days. It's all about what these characters would do if they hit the lottery. And it's got this amazing mix of hip hop, salsa, and latin pop that makes you feel like you're right there in the middle of it. Then there's breathe, a total gut punch of a ballad where Nina sings about the pressure she feels to succeed after leaving college and how hard it is to live up to everyone's expectations. And don't even get me started on Pasencia Yife Abuela, Claudia's song is all about resilience, and it captures the essence of immigrant life so beautifully. But the one that sets the stage, literally, is the title track in the heights. From the opening number, you're pulled right into the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood. You can feel the heat, the music, the heartbeat of the city in every note. It's a celebration of culture, family, and finding your place in the world. And the world noticed in 2008 in the Heights exploded onto Broadway and it won, and I mean won big. The show snagged the Tony Award for best musical and brought home several others, including best original score and best choreography. Lin Manuel wasn't just some new kid on the block. He was the new kid. And Broadway hadnt seen anything like this before. Why was it such a game changer? Well, it was one of the first major musicals to bring the Latinx experience to the center of the stage. It told the stories of a community that had been largely overlooked in mainstream theater, and it did it with flair. The blend of salsa, merengue, hip hop, and traditional Broadway show tunes was completely fresh and vibrant. It was like Broadway suddenly had a new rhythm, a new beat to dance to. And in the Heights didn't just give us catchy songs and a killer soundtrack. It opened the door for more diverse stories to be told in Broadway, paving the way for musicals that represented a broader spectrum of cultures and experiences. It made Broadway more relatable and real for a whole new audience. So, yeah, I Lin Manuel didnt just make a splash. He created a whole new wave within the heights. Alright, buckle up people, because now were about to talk about Hamilton. This show didnt just take Broadway by storm. It flipped it upside down, rewrote the roles and made everyone ask, wait, musicals can do this? The story of Hamilton began in a place you might not expect. A biography. Yeah, I'm talking about Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton. Lin Manuel was on vacation, casually reading this 800 page brick of a book. Because that's what you do on vacation, right? And something clicked. Lynn saw Alexander Hamilton's life as the ultimate rags to riches story. An immigrant orphan who rose to become one of America's founding fathers. Sounds like classic american drama, right? But Lynn, being the visionary he is, thought, what if I tell this story with hip hop and boom. Hamilton was born. Now, combining hip hop, r and b, and traditional musical theater to tell the story of Americas first treasury secretary was an idea so wild, so out of the box that it was geniuse. I mean, who else could make cabinet debate sound like rap battles and turn a history lesson into something that slaps only Lin Manuel people. Only Lin Manuel Hamilton takes some of the most complex themes in american history, legacy, immigration, power, politics, and distills them into lyrics that will leave you breathless. It's not just history, it's a human story. It's about a guy who refuses to give up, who writes his way out of poverty and who's constantly fighting for his shot. And speaking of shots, let's talk about some of the killer songs that made this musical so iconic. My shot is like the anthem for anyone who's ever had big dreams and refuses to sit quietly in the back. It's pure energy, ambition and determination all wrapped up in a rap battle with a dash of revolution. Then theres the room where it happens, which is basically the ultimate fear of missing out. Song Aaron burrs jealousy hits new heights as he sings about how he wasnt part of the secret meeting that shaped americas future. Who knew you could make politics sound this catchy? But Hamilton isnt just about power moves and rebellion. Theres also the emotional gut punch of satisfied, where Angelica Schuyler confesses her deep love for Hamilton only to give him up for her sister. The layers of emotion in that song, it gets me every time. Then theres Yorktown, the song where the underdogs actually win its victory set to a beat that makes you want to throw your fist in the air. And dont forget one last time where George Washington steps down from power, singing a soulful goodbye to leadership with the weight of history on his shoulders. Lin Manuel even sneaks in some quotes from Washington's actual farewell address. Talk about classy. But the magic of Hamilton goes way beyond the music. The show opened up conversations about race, representation, who gets to tell american history? The casting of people of color in the roles of America's white founding fathers was a huge statement, and it gave audiences a chance to see themselves in the story of America's creation. Lin Manuel's vision wasn't just revolutionary because of the music, it was revolutionary because of the way it redefined who gets to be part of the narrative. And let's not forget the impact the show had on our culture. I mean, who else but Lin Manuel could get people so hyped about american history that tickets sold out for months, prices skyrocketed, and every kid suddenly wanted to learn more about Alexander Hamilton. And yeah, its won like all the awards. Eleven Tony Awards, including best musical, a Pulitzer Prize for drama, a Grammy for best musical theater albumen basically, if there wasn't a word to win, Hamilton took it home. Lin Manuel's portrayal of Alexander Hamilton, forget about it. He brought this scrappy, ambitious immigrant to life in a way that made Hamilton feel like someone you could root for. Lynn gave us a Hamilton who was flawed, brilliant, relentless and very, very human. That's what made the show so special. It wasn't just a history lesson. It was a reminder that these figures from the past were real people, full of hopes, fears and yes, mistakes. But the lasting influence of Hamilton. It's here to stay. It's changed Broadway forever. Making space for new stories, new voices and new ways of telling history. And it's not just Broadway. Lin Manuel Miranda has inspired an entire generation of creators to think differently about what's possible in theater and music. So yeah, Hamilton is more than just a musical. Its a movement. Its a show that broke every role, changed the game, and reminded us all that even in the chaos of history, we can still leave a legacy. And in Lin Manuels case, his legacy is going to be felt for a long, long time. Alright, I have so much more to talk about. But first, heres my interesting fact of the week. Welcome to my interesting fact of the week. Did you know that Lin Manuel Miranda isn't just a genius at writing musical theater, he's also a freestyle rap master. Yep, we're talking full on. I'm going to rap about whatever you throw at me kind of skills. Lynn has participated in various freestyle rap events and let me tell you, his quick wit and improvisational talents are next level. Imagine being at a party and someone's like, hey Lynn, can you rap about, say, um, spaghetti and Wi Fi? And before you can say marinara, he's already halfway through a verse that somehow rhymes rigatoni with bluetooth connectivity. How does he do it? Honestly, I think his brain is powered by some kind of musical magic that the rest of us mere mortals don't have access to. In fact, theres a famous clip of him on the Tonight show with Jimmy Fallon where Lynn freestyles about random objects the audience suggests. I mean, most of us would panic if someone threw us a word like pumpernickel to rhyme with. But Lynn, hes like challenge accepted. And then he drops bars about bread like hes been waiting for that moment his entire life. Thats not impressive. I dont know. It is. So the next time you're struggling to come up with a clever text response or a witty comeback, just remember, somewhere out there, Lin Manuel Miranda could probably freestyle rap it for you in 5 seconds flat. That's a superpower. If I've ever heard of one? And now back to our episode. Welcome back, everybody. Alright, so weve talked about Lin Manuel Mirandas Broadway brilliance, but did you think hed stop there? Oh, no, my friends. Lin is like a creative tornado. Once he conquered Broadway, he set his sights on Hollywood where hes been leaving his mark in the most magical ways. Lets dive into some of his film and tv projects that have expanded his influence beyond the stage. First up, Moana. If you've ever found yourself belting out how far I'll go in the car, shower, or pretty much anywhere with acoustics, you can thank Lin Manuel for that earworm. Disney needed someone who could blend polynesian culture with the heart of Broadway storytelling. And who better than Lynn? How far I'll go became an anthem of self discovery and courage, not just for Moana, but for all of us who've ever wondered what's beyond the horizon. It's got that classic Lynn touch, soaring melodies, emotional depth, and lyrics that make you want to chase your dreams even if you don't have a boat. He didn't just write one hit song. He helped craft a whole musical world that brought polynesian mythology and culture to life in a way that felt authentic and heartfelt. Not bad for his first foray into Disney magic, right? But wait, there's more. Let's talk about Encanto because this film was everywhere and who do we have to thank for that? Yep. Lynn, again, you couldn't open TikTok, turn on the radio, or even walk down the street without hearing someone humming. We don't talk about Bruno. That song became an instant cultural phenomenon. Who knew a song about not talking would have everyone talking so much? Lin Manuels knack for storytelling shines through in every song. In Encanto, he captures the dynamics of family identity and cultural pride in a way thats both catchy and deeply meaningful. Encanto isnt just a movie. Its a celebration of Latinx culture, filled with music that reflects the richness of Columbia and the magic of family. Its no wonder that the world fell in love with it. And lens music is a huge part of what made it such a success. I love Encanto and I might have to watch Encanto and Moana when I'm done recording this episode. Also, I forgot to mention I did watch in the heights on whatever streaming platform it was on finally. And it's an amazing show. So if you haven't seen in the heights of go watch it. And of course, I've watched Hamilton on Disney. And speaking of magic, who could forget about Mary Poppins returns. Lynn stepped into the world of supercalifragilistic expialidocious as Jack the lamplighter. Not only did he get to sing and dance his way through the streets of London, but he also helped with the soundtrack. His performance was like a modern day Bert, you know, **** Van ****'* character from the original, but with his own unique flair. Jack was all charm and optimism. And of course, Lynn made sure that the music had the same old school magic mixed with its own rhythmic energy. Now, here's a fun fact. Lynn's not just about singing and writing. He also lent his voice to some pretty iconic tv shows. If youve ever caught an episode of DuckTales and thought, hey, that voice sounds familiar. Well, its probably because Lynn played Gizmoduck, the high tech superhero duck. And lets not forget his spots on Brooklyn nine nine and his dark materials. Whether hes stilling scenes with his comedic timing or getting serious in a fantasy drama, Lin knows how to keep things interesting. And then he decided to sit in the directors chair. His directorial debut was with Tick Tick Boom, a film about the life of Jonathan Larson, the creator of Rent. Lin took his storytelling talents to the big screen, capturing the passion, struggles, and triumphs of an artist trying to make it in New York City. Its raw, emotional, and filled with the kind of heart weve come to expect from anything with Lynns name on it. As a director, he continues to push boundaries, proving that whether it's on stage, in a movie, or behind the camera, Lin Manuel Miranda is always looking for new ways to tell stories that resonate with us all. So to sum it up, whether it's crafting the next big Disney anthem, bringing beloved characters to life with his voice, or taking Lorraine's as a director, Lin Manuel Miranda is unstoppable. Hes not just a Broadway sensation, hes a global force in film, tv, and beyond. And honestly, I cant wait to see what he does next. As if changing Broadway and taking over Hollywood wasnt enough, Lin Manuel has also dedicated himself to making the world a better place. Seriously, is there anything this man cant do? Not only does he have the power to write hit songs and craft incredible stories, but hes also using his platform to give back in some pretty amazing ways. Lets talk about Lynns big heart and the work hes done to make a difference through activism and philanthropy. First up, Puerto Rico. Lin Manuel has always been incredibly proud of his puerto rican heritage. But when Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017, his love for Puerto Rico turned into action. He quickly became a leading voice for relief efforts, raising money and awareness for the cause. And because music is his superpower, he used it to bring people together. Lin wrote and released the song almost like praying, a beautiful and emotional tribute to Puerto Rico that featured an all star lineup of latin artists. All the proceeds for that song went to hurricane relief, raising millions to help the island recover. The song itself was a reminder of Puerto Rico's strength and resilience. And Lynn's efforts didn't stop there. He continued to support the island, organizing fundraisers and consistently speaking out on behalf of puerto rican communities. He's shown that when the island needs him, he's always there, whether through music or direct action. But that's just one part of Len's giving spirit. He's also a passionate advocate for the arts, particularly arts education. Growing up, Len benefited from having access to theater and music programs, and he's determined to make sure the next generation has the same opportunities. One of his biggest initiatives is the Hamilton education program, affectionately called Eduham. And let me tell you, this is one of the coolest things ever. Imagine that you're a high school student learning about the American Revolution, and instead of just reading about it, you get to experience it through Hamilton live. The edgy ham program gives students the chance to see the musical. Yes, but that's just part of it. They also get to participate in interactive workshops where they create their own performances based on historical events. That sounds awesome. Talk about a creative way to bring history to life. Lynn and his team have made it possible for thousands of students, many from underserved communities, to engage with the arts in a meaningful way. It's inspiring a whole new generation of young people to think, create, and dream big, just like Lin himself. And it doesn't stop there. Lin has been a fierce supporter of theater communities across the country. He knows how hard it is to make it in the arts. So he's constantly using his platform to lift up those who need it most. Whether it's advocating for more funding for arts programs, supporting local theaters, or using his star power to raise awareness about important causes, Lin Manuel Miranda's impact goes far beyond the stage and screen. He's proof that you can use your talents not just to entertain, but to uplift others as well. Whether through a song, a performance, or activism, Lynn is always finding ways to give back and make the world a little brighter. And let's be honest, isn't that the kind of hero we all need? Okay, listeners, now let's talk about the legacy of Lin Manuel Miranda. Because wow, has he changed the game in musical theater. This man didnt just step onto the stage. He flipped the whole thing upside down and turned it into a dazzling kaleidoscope of sound, style and inclusivity. If youre a fan of modern musicals, you can thank Lin for redefining what they can be. First, lets chat about his unique blend of musical genres. Lin Manuel didnt just stick to the traditional Broadway sound, oh no. He brought in hip hop, r and b, soul, and even a little reggaeton. Who knew you could learn about american history through rap battles? Hamilton taught us that by mixing these styles, Lynn created a new musical language that resonated with a diverse audience. Its like he took the best ingredients from a whole bunch of musical cuisines and whipped up a dish thats fresh, exciting, and totally satisfying. His approach has inspired countless creators to think outside the box and explore new musical landscapes. Now let's talk about something even more groundbreaking, Lynn's casting choices. He's a champion of race blind casting, which means he's opened the doors for actors of color to take on iconic roles often played by white actors in the past. When you see a diverse cast performing in Hamilton, it's not just about representation. It's about redefining who gets to tell America's story. Lynn's vision has led to a wider array of voices and stories being told on stage, and that ripple effect is being felt all across Broadway and beyond. It's an incredible shift that's inspiring a new generation of performers and creatives to step into the spotlight. Speaking of impact, lets not underestimate the long lasting influence of Hamilton itself. This show did more than just win eleven Tony awards. It sparked a revolution in how stories are told in musical theater. With its intricate storytelling, catchy tunes and innovative choreography, Hamilton has set a new standard for what audiences can expect from a musical. Its a cultural phenomenon thats inspired countless parodies, covers, and even classroom discussions on history and representation. You know, a show has made a mark when students are rapping about Alexander Hamilton instead of memorizing dates. And guess what? Len isn't stopping anytime soon. He's got exciting projects on the horizon like the in the Heights film adaptation, which brought the vibrant energy of Washington Heights to the big screen. Plus, he has more musicals in the works that promise to keep pushing boundaries and telling fresh stories. The theater world is buzzing with anticipation, and you can bet Lin will continue to be at the forefront of all of it. But perhaps the most profound part of Lin Manuel Miranda's legacy is his impact on emerging artists and creators. His success has shown that there's room for new voices in the theater landscape, encouraging young writers, composers and performers to dream big. Hes not just a star, hes a mentor and a beacon of hope for those who want to make their mark in the arts. Through initiatives like Eduham and his constant advocacy for the arts, Lin is ensuring that future generations of artists have the resources and support they need to thrive. So whether it's redefining the musical genre, championing diversity, or inspiring the next wave of theater creators, Lin Manuel Miranda's influence is undeniable. He's not just leaving a legacy, he's setting the stage for a brighter, more inclusive future in the world of musical theater. And honestly, I cannot wait to see what he comes up with next. And there you have it. Lin Manuel Miranda is not just a powerhouse in musical theater, he's a true renaissance man. In this episode, we've explored how he's revolutionized the stage with in the heights and Hamilton, blending diverse musical genres and telling compelling stories that resonate with audiences everywhere. Plus, his work in film and tv like Moana and Encanto has only broadened his reach, proving that great storytelling knows no bounds. And lets not forget about his incredible activism. Whether advocating for Puerto Rico or promoting arts education, Len uses his voice for good, reminding us all that art can spark change. And as we look ahead, the excitement does not stop there. With upcoming projects and his unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, Len Manuel Mirandas legacy is only going to grow. He's shaping the future of the arts, inspiring countless new artists to share their own stories. And who knows, maybe the next big hit on Broadway is just waiting for a little sprinkle of Miranda magic. So if you haven't explored his works yet, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Lin Manuel, listen to the soundtracks, watch the performances, and let his words inspire you. And keep an eye out for what he has coming next because this is one artist who's sure to keep surprising us. I want to thank you so much for tuning in to the music and me, and I hope you enjoyed this journey through the incredible contributions of Lin Manuel Miranda. If you've loved what you heard, don't forget to share the podcast with your friends and family. Next week. I am going to be talking about my favorite Halloween song since Halloween is coming up. So look forward to that. Until next time, keep the music alive in your hearts and remember, every story deserves to be told. Peace out everybody.