The flagship act for Fania Records, the Fania All-Stars popularized New York salsa during the 1970s by organizing concerts at larger and larger venues (from the Red Garter in Greenwich Village all the way to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx) that spotlighted not only the label's but the salsa world's biggest stars -- Ray Barretto, Willie Colón,... [+] Read More

Yes No

While Ray Barretto's congas have graced more recording sessions than virtually any other conguero of his time, he has also led some refreshingly progressive Latin jazz bands over the decades. His records often have a more tense, more adventurously eclectic edge than those of most conventional salsa groups, unafraid to use electronics and novel... [+] Read More

Yes No

Trombone player, composer, and bandleader, Willie Colón was one of the pioneers of Latin American music. Despite initial criticism, Colón's album El Malo has become known as one of the first albums to feature the "New York Sound" that sparked a renewed interest in Latin music during the 1970s. Colón has been instrumental in the careers of such... [+] Read More

Yes No

Arriving in New York City from Puerto Rico in 1948, Rosario was moved by Tito Puente's drumming ability at the Palladium Ballroom. He began his percussion studies and made his pro debut with Johnny Sequi's band in 1953. When Sequi moved to Puerto Rico, Rosario took over the band and today it is among the most popular salsa and Latin jazz... [+] Read More

Yes No