Johnny Pacheco RIP

[Spandex]

Johnny Pacheco, Dominican-born bandleader and co-founder of the Fania record label that turned salsa music into a worldwide sensation, died on Monday.

He played in a number of Latin bands before starting his own, Pacheco y Su Charanga, in 1960. Their first album in 1961 sold 100,000 copies in the first year, becoming one the best-selling Latin albums of its time.

Pacheco in 1961

In late 1963, Pacheco met Jerry Masucci, a lawyer and Latin music fan, and in 1964 they co-founded Fania Records, initially selling records out of the back of a van. Guided by Pacheco, artists built a new sound based on traditional latin music, but faster and more aggressive: Salsa. Many of the lyrics were about racism, cultural pride and the politics of the era.

At the end of the 60s and through the 70s Salsa became a worldwide phenomenon. In 1973 the Fania All Stars played to an audience of 44,000 people in the NY Yankees stadium.

Pacheco in 1974

Here's a mix of Pacheco's music:


Absolutely legend. RIP

 

[Spandex]

Here's Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco (white & pink shirt, playing flute) doing their soundcheck at the Zaire 74 concert before Muhammad Ali knocked out George Foreman at the Rumble in the Jungle:

 

[Spandex]

And let's have some Fania records classics:

Willie Colon & Hector Lavoe - Che Che Cole


Orchestra Harlow - El Exigente


Ray Barretto - Right On


Roberto Roena And Su Apollo Sound - Consolación


Joe Bataan - Mambo de Bataan

 

[Knotted]

I've never had a salsa phase and I'm only dimly aware of Fania records. Sad as it is, when someone dies it's good chance to catch up with their work. Thanks for posting these, great stuff.