Johnny Pacheco

Pachanga pioneer; co-founded Fania Records (1964) with Jerry Masucci and was its musical director; founded the Fania All-Stars (1968); popularized the term...

Johnny Pacheco was the Dominican-born flutist and bandleader who rose through the South Bronx pachanga scene, performing at the Caravana Club, before co-founding Fania Records with Jerry Masucci in 1964 and building the Fania All-Stars. As Fania's musical director he reorganized New York's scattered scene into a single commercial umbrella under which 'salsa' could circulate, and he was one of the term's strongest defenders, calling it an inclusive 'sauce' of many ingredients.

Role

bandleader, arranger, producer

Era

Fania-Era Salsa

Genre

Salsa (Fania era)

Origin

Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic