Johnny Pacheco, Salsa Trailblazer Dies At 85

He is a Dominican-born bandleader and songwriter, he co-founded Fania Records, known as the Motown of Salsa.

The veteran singer regarded as one of the “fathers of salsa” was reported to have died at Holy Name Medical Center, New Jersey on Monday following complications arising from pneumonia.

Fania Records confirmed the news of his death in a statement on their Twitter page.

Fania Records revolutionized the sound of Cuban dance music in the 1970s. During that time, Pacheco was a prolific songwriter and musical arranger whose work helped fuel the careers of Celia Cruz and Ruben Blades. As a producer, his vast musical knowledge of various Latin musical genres helped ignite the rise of the Latin dance genre known as salsa and he became its biggest cheerleader.

In 1954, he formed ‘The Chuchulecos Boys’ with Palmieri on piano, Barry Rogers on trombone and other musicians who are also renowned in the salsa scene, such as Al Santiago, Mike Collazo and Ray Santos.Throughout his life, he was known best for his commitment to uplifting the Afro-Caribbean community and its music.