DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

The music world celebrates the life of Johnny Pacheco. Born 25 March 1935 in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, Pacheco is recognized for his success in globalizing salsa and other tropical music. The Dominican musician founded the Fania All Stars to promote tropical Latin music. He died at 85 after being hospitalized for pneumonia in New Jersey.

He migrated to New York as a child. His father was a bandleader and clarinetist for the celebrated Santa Cecilia Orchestra in the Dominican Republic. While he has transcended for his efforts promoting others, he also composed many songs that became classics – such as “La Dicha Mía,” “Quítate Tu Pa’Ponerme Yo,” “Acuyuye” and “El Rey De La Puntualidad.”

Pacheco helped launch the careers of Ray Barretto, Bobby Valentín, Rubén Blades, Tito Puente, Héctor Lavoe and Celia Cruz.

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