Who started the Fania All-Stars?
Jerry Masucci
Though the label management’s quest for crossover success led to a few diluted major-label recordings during the late ’70s and early ’80s, infrequent events featuring the Fania All-Stars remained huge attractions into the late ’90s. Fania Records was formed in March 1964 by Johnny Pacheco and lawyer Jerry Masucci.
What is Fania Records and why is the label important?
Indeed, Fania was much more than a record label: it reflected the Latino way of life and functioned as a vivid soundtrack documenting Latin Americans’ life and times in metropolitan America during the 60s and 70s.
How many of the Fania All Stars are still alive?
In 2008, Cheo Feliciano celebrated his 50 years in the music industry by hosting a spectacular concert at Madison Square Garden, where Mayor Bloomberg declared July 20th “Cheo Feliciano Day” in New York. Today, only a few of the original All-Stars remain alive, as many have passed away in recent years.
Who are the Fania All-Stars?
The Fania All-Stars is a musical group formed in 1968 as a showcase for the musicians on Fania Records, the leading salsa music record label of the time.
What was the first Fania All Stars album?
The first project was the lukewarm “Delicate & Jumpy” (1976), in which Steve Winwood united with the All Stars’ Pacheco, Valentin, Barreto and Roena. It was also in 1976 that the Fania All Stars made their sole UK appearance. They produced a memorable sell-out concert at London’s Lyceum Ballroom, with Steve Winwood guesting.
Who owns Fania Records?
Masucci later bought out his partner Pacheco from Fania Entertainment Group, Ltd. and was the sole owner until his death in December 1997. Throughout the early years, Fania used to distribute its records around New York.
What happened to Fania Fania?
The first signs of recession appeared in 1980, when Fania suffered setbacks including an unsuccessful movie, tension from artists with unpaid royalties, and failed distribution deals with Columbia and Atlantic Records at boosting salsa into the mainstream US market.