Pacheco, the famed bandleader, flutist, percussionist and co-founder of the groundbreaking salsa label Fania Records, died Monday at 85. Together, Pacheco eventually corralled the labelmates into a power-packed supergroup known as the Fania All-Stars. Still, Fania has maintained an ample digital archive on YouTube, where many of Pacheco and the Fania All-Stars’ greatest hits live on. Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco, “Quimbara” (1974)AdvertisementThe bond between Pacheco and Cruz coursed like an unshakable electric current through the salsa scene. “I went to the ‘La Tierra’ studio, because Johnny Pacheco wanted me there [with] the singer,” Blades told The Times.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 18, 2021 18:00 UTC