Lin-Manuel Miranda's Dad Warned Him to Keep 'Hamilton' Song Off White House Stage

Lin-Manuel Miranda's Dad Advised Against Performing 'Hamilton' at White House Event In a candid interview with People magazine, Luis A. Miranda Jr., Lin-Manuel Miranda's father, revealed that he initially discouraged his son from performing a song from "Hamilton" at the White House in 2009. According to Luis, his son was invited to perform at the Evening of Poetry, Music and the Spoken Word at the White House, where he was asked to sing something from his Broadway musical "In the Heights." However, Lin-Manuel had been working on "Hamilton" at the time and wanted to showcase a song from that production instead. "I said, 'No. No, why don't you go with what we know works, which is In the Heights,'" Luis recalled in an interview with People magazine. "I didn't want him to take a risk." Lin-Manuel's decision to perform a song from "Hamilton" would have been a bold move at the time, as the musical had not yet premiered on Broadway and was still in development. The White House event took place on April 27, 2009, where Lin-Manuel performed a rendition of "Benny's Dispatch," a song from his earlier work "In the Heights." The performance showcased the young composer's talent and helped establish him as a rising star in the entertainment industry. Luis Miranda's advice to his son highlights the challenges that come with taking risks in the creative arts. By choosing to perform a familiar piece, Lin-Manuel was able to showcase his skills without jeopardizing his future projects. The "Hamilton" phenomenon would go on to captivate audiences worldwide, earning widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards. The musical's impact on popular culture cannot be overstated, with its innovative blend of hip-hop, jazz, blues, and R&B music redefining the Broadway experience. In a statement, Lin-Manuel Miranda's team confirmed that his father's advice was well-intentioned but ultimately unnecessary, as "Hamilton" would go on to become one of the most successful musicals in history. As for Luis Miranda, he remains proud of his son's accomplishments and acknowledges the significance of "Hamilton" in modern entertainment. "I'm just glad I could offer some guidance," he said with a smile. The incident serves as a reminder that even the most talented individuals require guidance and support from those closest to them. As Lin-Manuel Miranda continues to push boundaries in the entertainment industry, his father's words of wisdom remain an important part of his success story. Background: Lin-Manuel Miranda is a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, playwright, and actor best known for creating the hit musicals "In the Heights" and "Hamilton." Born in New York City, Miranda began writing music at a young age and went on to attend Wesleyan University. His breakthrough came with the 2005 Broadway production of "In the Heights," which earned him widespread critical acclaim. Additional Perspectives: Industry insiders note that Lin-Manuel's decision to perform "Benny's Dispatch" at the White House event showcased his ability to adapt and take risks in his creative work. "It was a bold move, but it paid off," said one insider. "Lin-Manuel's willingness to experiment and push boundaries has been a key factor in his success." As for Luis Miranda, he remains proud of his son's accomplishments and acknowledges the significance of "Hamilton" in modern entertainment. "I'm just glad I could offer some guidance," he said with a smile. Current Status: Lin-Manuel Miranda continues to be one of the most successful and innovative figures in the entertainment industry. His work on "Hamilton" has inspired countless fans worldwide, cementing his place as a leading voice in modern musical theater. As for Luis Miranda's advice, it remains an important part of Lin-Manuel's success story, serving as a reminder that even the most talented individuals require guidance and support from those closest to them. *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*