Image Source: Latin Roots
The iconic NYC-based Latin label, Fania Records, founded by Dominican-born composer and bandleader Johnny Pacheco is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer.
The record label coined the "original sound of Latin New York" was where a lot of Latin music legends got their big breaks, including Hector Lavoe, Willie Colon, Celia Cruz and Ruben Blades. It is also the birthplace of different Latin sounds and genres like Afro-Cuban jazz, boogaloo, Latin R&B, and of course, salsa.
Fania also served as a safe haven for those musicians migrating from their native countries such as, Cuba and Colombia, and allowed them to feel a little more comfortable and at home.
Until this day, the music Fania Records produced is heard in dance clubs around the world, and it will remain a part of our Latino history forever.
Happy 50th Anniversary!