Esperanza is an album by various artists interpreting in song Tristessa, a novella by Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac.
The story explores Kerouac’s love affair with Tristessa, a drug-addicted Mexican prostitute. Tristessa means “sadness” in Spanish.
Her real name was Esperanza, “hope” in Spanish.
A fascinating album concept, listen here to two selections.
“First Page of Kerouac’s Tristessa” William Fitzsimmons with Tim & Adam
“We Are Nothing” Alela Diane
Song of the DayAlela DianeBeat GenerationEsperanzaFirst Page from Kerouac's TristessaJack KerouacMexicoSpanishTim & AdamTristessaWe Are NothingWilliam Fitzsimmons