Johnny Pacheco, one of salsa’s biggest names, passed away on February 15, 2021. He was a renowned multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, arranger and bandleader.
Juan Azarías Pacheco Knipping, better known as Johnny Pacheco, was born on March 25, 1935 in the Dominican Republic. At a young age, his family moved to New York. Johnny studied at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York City and developed his talent for violin, saxophone, and clarinet.
He rose to fame as the co-founder and musical director of Fania Records, one of the most influential salsa music labels.
Pacheco played an essential role in the development of salsa music during the 1960s and 1970s. He assembled the Fania All-Stars, a salsa orchestra that featured some of the leading singers and instrumentalists in the salsa world.
Gabriel Abaroa, Jr. , President and CEO of the The Latin Recording Academy released the following statement: “Johnny Pacheco was a creative composer, arranger, bandleader and producer, in addition to being a gifted musician and a charming performer.
An original member of the acclaimed Fania All-Stars, and co-founder of Fania Records in the ’60s, Pacheco is widely considered as one of the “fathers of salsa.” During his decades-long career, he worked with some of the most prominent salsa artists, including Celia Cruz, Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, Cheo Feliciano and Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez.
He received the 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award from The Latin Recording Academy, and his extensive body of work has been nominated for both Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY Awards on several occasions.
Johnny Pacheco will be greatly missed, but his music and legacy will live forever and continue to inspire music creators around the world. Our hearts go out to his wife, Cuqui, and their family during this difficult time.”
Author: World Music Central News Room
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