This year marks the 60th anniversary of Fania Records, one of the most iconic Latin music labels in history. Renowned for its groundbreaking contributions to Latin music and culture, Fania’s influence continues to resonate globally. To commemorate this milestone, Craft Latino proudly presents Fania Records: The Latin Sound of New York (1964–1978)—a new compilation that pays tribute to the label's unparalleled legacy. Available digitally now and as a 2-LP set on January 24, the album brings together 16 of Fania's greatest hits, featuring legendary artists such as Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, Celia Cruz, Rubén Blades, Ray Barretto, and many more.
The vinyl edition is a collector's treasure, complete with archival photographs and comprehensive liner notes by Aurora Flores Hostos, a New York-based music historian, author, and activist. Written in both English and Spanish, these notes provide valuable insights into the history of Fania and its artists. For long-time fans and new listeners alike, this compilation offers an essential entry point into the world of salsa and Latin soul.
A Year of Celebrations for Fania Records
This release concludes a year-long celebration of Fania Records' enduring impact. The festivities have included over a dozen remastered 180-gram vinyl reissues, more than two dozen digital album remasters—including some in high-resolution audio—and exclusive merchandise.
Fania: The Soundtrack of Latin New York
Fania Records is to Latin music what Stax and Motown are to soul or Blue Note and Prestige are to jazz. Since its founding in 1964, the label has been synonymous with the evolution of Afro-Caribbean and Latin music in New York, nurturing styles such as mambo, pachanga, boogaloo, and ultimately salsa—a genre Fania helped define and popularize worldwide.
The label’s creation is a classic American immigrant story. Dominican bandleader and producer Johnny Pacheco, known for his pachanga music, partnered with attorney Jerry Masucci to launch Fania. With an initial investment of $5,000, the duo recorded and distributed Pacheco’s Cañonazo, the label’s first release, from Masucci’s office and Pacheco’s car trunk. Within a few years, Fania had become the definitive voice of Latin youth in New York City.
As historian Aurora Flores notes, Fania was born from the cultural upheaval of the 1960s—a time of civil rights movements, Cuban embargoes, and social justice protests. Latin music evolved in parallel, with artists blending traditional rhythms with the soul, R&B, and doo-wop influences they absorbed in New York’s melting pot. This fusion gave rise to Latin soul, or boogaloo, a sound that reflected the vibrancy of urban Latino communities.
From Boogaloo to Salsa
Fania Records spearheaded the boogaloo craze of the late 1960s with hits like Pete Rodriguez’s “I Like It Like That” (1966) and Joe Bataan’s cover of Curtis Mayfield’s “Gypsy Woman” (1967). Ray Barretto’s 1968 instrumental “Acid,” with its jazz-infused funk groove, exemplified the genre’s innovation. However, by the early 1970s, boogaloo had given way to a new, more cohesive sound: salsa.
Salsa, rooted in Cuban son traditions and enriched with influences from jazz and Latin soul, became the defining genre of Fania Records. Willie Colón famously described it as “the harmonic sum of all Latin culture.” The label’s roster included salsa pioneers like Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, who delivered hits such as 1970’s “Agúzate,” and Puerto Rican singer Cheo Feliciano, whose debut solo album Cheo (1971) featured timeless tracks like “Anacaona.”
Héctor Lavoe, another Fania superstar, rose to fame with Willie Colón on albums like Cosa Nuestra (1969), which included the hit “Che Che Colé.” As a soloist, Lavoe released salsa anthems like “Mi Gente” (1975) and “El Cantante,” penned by Rubén Blades.
Celia Cruz, the undisputed “Queen of Salsa,” joined Fania in 1974, releasing Celia & Johnny with Pacheco. Featuring the classic “Quimbara,” the album cemented Cruz’s international stardom and solidified her place as one of salsa’s most beloved figures.
The Rise of the Fania All Stars
Fania’s influence extended far beyond individual artists. The Fania All Stars, an ever-evolving supergroup featuring the label’s brightest talents, became a global sensation. Their electrifying live performances—captured on albums like Live at the Cheetah (1972) and Live at Yankee Stadium (1975)—showcased the collaborative energy that defined Fania. Tracks like “Estrellas de Fania” highlight the improvisational brilliance of these concerts, featuring vocalists like Héctor Lavoe and Ismael Miranda alongside virtuoso instrumentalists.
A Lasting Cultural Impact
Fania’s music has remained vital across generations. Its influence is evident in contemporary hits like Cardi B’s “I Like It,” which samples Pete Rodriguez, and Bad Bunny’s “El Apagón,” which draws from Ismael Rivera. Moreover, several Fania recordings, including Celia & Johnny and Live at Yankee Stadium, have been inducted into the National Recording Registry, cementing their status as cultural treasures.
Today, Fania’s legacy endures through its master catalog, which includes over 15,000 songs and 7,000 compositions. Under Concord’s stewardship, the label continues to reach new audiences through remastered releases and curated compilations like Fania Records: The Latin Sound of New York (1964–1978).
Tracklist for Fania Records: The Latin Sound of New York (1964–1978):
Side A
Pete Rodriguez – “I Like It (I Like It Like That)”
Eddie Palmieri – “Café”
Joe Bataan – “Gypsy Woman”
Ray Barretto – “Acid”
Side B
Héctor Lavoe – “Mi Gente”
Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz – “Agúzate”
Cheo Feliciano – “Anacaona”
Celia Cruz & Johnny Pacheco – “Quimbara”
Side C
Ismael Rivera – “Las Caras Lindas”
Willie Colón – “Che Che Colé”
Héctor Lavoe – “El Cantante”
Ray Barretto – “Indestructible”
Joe Cuba Sextet – “El Ratón”
Side D
Fania All Stars – “Estrellas de Fania”
Willie Colón – “La Murga”
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades – “Pedro Navaja”
Fania Records transformed Latin music, creating a legacy that continues to inspire artists and listeners alike. Fania Records: The Latin Sound of New York (1964–1978) serves as both a tribute to this history and a vibrant introduction for a new generation of fans. As we celebrate 60 years of Fania, its music reminds us of the enduring power of cultural innovation and collaboration.
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