In 2009 American composer and performer Lin-Manuel Miranda stood on a stage at the White House, about to perform a rap song at the White House Poetry Jam. When he explained that the song''s subject was Alexander Hamilton and that Hamilton embodied hip-hop, many in the audience laughed. After all, Hamilton was one of America''s founders. How could a historical figure from the 1700s have anything to do with hip-hop? But the audience at the White House that night—which included President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle—sat spellbound when Miranda began his rap performance. Audiences have been reacting that way to what became Miranda''s megahit musical, Hamilton, ever since its opening on Broadway in 2016, when Miranda was just thirty-five years old. Raised in New York City by Puerto Rican parents, Miranda has channeled his love for his Latino roots, diverse musical styles, and storytelling into a phenomenal career success. Hamilton won eleven Tony Awards. Miranda has also won numerous other awards and made an impact as an activist and humanitarian. With his extremely active mind and many more creative years ahead of him, Miranda seems destined to keep making a mark on the world.
