Imagine being told by your own father not to perform a song that would later become the cornerstone of a cultural phenomenon. That’s exactly what happened to Lin-Manuel Miranda when his dad, Luis A. Miranda Jr., advised him against debuting a track from Hamilton at a White House event in 2009. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a missed opportunity or a father’s instinct to protect his son from potential failure? Let’s dive into the story that shaped one of Broadway’s most iconic works.
Luis A. Miranda Jr. recently shared with People magazine that he initially urged his Tony Award-winning son to stick with what was already a proven success—a song from In the Heights, Lin-Manuel’s breakout musical. At the time, Lin-Manuel was invited to perform at the White House Evening of Poetry, Music, and the Spoken Word, an event early in Barack Obama’s presidency. But Lin-Manuel had other ideas. He asked his father, ‘Dad, I’ve been working on Hamilton. Do you think I could perform the only song I have?’
Luis’s response? A firm ‘No.’ He believed In the Heights was the safer bet, a choice grounded in practicality rather than doubt. ‘Why not go with what we know works?’ he recalled telling his son. But Lin-Manuel, ever the visionary, decided to take the risk. And this is the part most people miss: that leap of faith wasn’t just about the song—it was about introducing the world to a project that would redefine musical theater.
Despite his father’s advice, Lin-Manuel performed an early version of Hamilton’s opening number, ‘Alexander Hamilton,’ at the White House. The reaction? Pure enthusiasm. The rest, as they say, is history. Hamilton went on to become a Broadway juggernaut, sweeping 11 Tony Awards, including Best Original Score, and later becoming a global sensation with its 2020 film adaptation.
But let’s pause for a moment. Was Luis wrong to advise caution? Or was Lin-Manuel’s decision to ignore him a testament to the power of artistic intuition? It’s a question that sparks debate. After all, not every risk pays off, but when it does, the results can be extraordinary. Luis himself now celebrates his son’s achievement, telling People, ‘We expect greatness to continue because this is such an incredible work of art.’ He reflects on the significance of Hamilton’s film release, making the musical accessible to families who, like his own, couldn’t afford Broadway tickets but could enjoy it on the big screen.
Hamilton began as a mixtape album before evolving into a stage production, debuting on Broadway in 2015. Its journey from a single song at the White House to a cultural landmark is a testament to Lin-Manuel’s vision and perseverance. And while Luis may have initially steered his son toward the familiar, he now proudly acknowledges the impact of his son’s bold choice.
So, here’s the question for you: Would Hamilton have become the phenomenon it is today if Lin-Manuel had followed his father’s advice? Or was it the risk itself that paved the way for its success? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to keep the conversation going!
