Johnny Pacheco, legendary bandleader, producer and co-founder of salsa label Fania Records, died Monday afternoon at the age of 85. His wife, Maria Elena Pacheco, confirmed his death at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, N.J., citing complications from pneumonia. Throughout his life, he was known best for his commitment to uplifting the Afro-Caribbean community and its music. Pacheco and his Charanga were the first Latin orchestra to headline at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem in 1962 and 1963. In 1998, he was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame; and in 2005, the Latin Recording Academy honored him with its annual Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 16, 2021 03:35 UTC