Part of the Latin Heritage Series: From Mambo to Salsa!
Joe, you crossed over in music at times. What style of music are you known for?
Good question because it is very difficult to rack my music in record stores. Once the question was posted with a rack jobber, “do you rack Joe Bataan in Latin music” his answer was no! Do you rack Joe Bataan under soul! His answer was no! He stated the only place for Joe Bataan is under “World Music.”
Can you tell me who a few of your singing influences were?
Frank Sinatra, Johnny Ray, Frankie Lymon, Nat King Cole, Judy Garland
What is your opinion of Latin music then and Latin music now?
Latin music today features lead singers. Latin music then always mentioned the sidemen.
Joe, Where are you touring at these days?
Mostly East Coast/ West Coast. But there are plans to return to Japan, Philippines, Australia and the Scandinavian countries in the near future.
What advice would you give to the new singers of today that are starting out in Latin Music and the musicians tomorrow?
My advice to singers is to learn an instrument and how to read music!
What does the future hold for the great singer Joe Bataan?
God willing the “Big Boss” will guide me. A book? A film? Seek the kingdom of The Lord.
In your heart and mind, what are your personal thoughts of the gift God gave you as a singer, and the great road it has led you to?
I am truly blessed-I can only surmise after having lived a great deal of my life. Wow, the Lord is definitely the period in my book. The final chapter has begun. Only the Lord knows what’s in store for me now. I can spend the rest of my life praising Him and try leading by example in all that I do. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone is enough. Took me a long journey to realize my purpose in life. I am not perfect and may the Lord forgive me my transgressions. There is no greater thrill than to see a multitude of people praying with me.
Selected discography:
Gypsy Woman (Fania 340, 1967)
Subway Joe (Fania 345, 1968)
Riot! (Fania 354, 1968)
Poor Boy (Fania 371, 1969)
Singin’ Some Soul (Fania 375, 1970)
Mr. New York & The East Side Kids (Fania 395, 1971)
Sweet Soul (Fania 407, 1972)
Saint Latin’s Day Massacre (Fania 420, 1972)
Live From San Frantasia (unreleased, Fania 432, 1972)
Salsoul (Mericana, 1973)
Afro-Filipino (Salsoul/Epic Records, 1975)
Mestizo (Salsoul, 1980)
II (Salsoul, 1981)
Last Album, Last Song (Bataan Music, 1997)
Call My Name (Vampisoul, 2004)
Young, Gifted & Brown: Joe’s Sweetest Soul Singin’ (Vampisoul, 2004)
King of Latin Soul (Vampisoul, 2009)
Author: Les Moncada
Les Moncada is a former Latin Jazz orchestra leader and conguero for over 40 years. He was born in Oakland, California and currently resides in Sacramento, California.
Les Moncada was an apprentice to conga and batá master Francisco Aguabella, a friend of vibraphonist Cal Tjader, Latin Jazz band leader Pete Escovedo, conguero Armando Peraza and many more.
He has been writing for many years for World Music Central.
Les Moncada’s Facebook site is: Timbales and Congas Bongo Bata and bells.
