Craft Latino proudly announces a reissue for De ti depende (It’s Up to You), the 1976 sophomore solo outing from salsa icon, Héctor “El Cantante” Lavoe. Featuring such classic hits as “Periódico de ayer,” “Hacha y machete,” and “Vamos a reír un poco,” the bestselling title also marks Lavoe’s debut as a bandleader. Returning to vinyl for the first time in the US since the mid-’70s, De ti depende arrives September 27th and is available for pre-order now. Featuring all-analog mastering by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the album is pressed on 180-gram vinyl and housed in an old-school-style tip-on jacket, replicating the LP’s original artwork. A 180-gram “Oro liquido (Liquid Gold)” color vinyl variant (limited to 300 copies), with a bundle option that includes a collectible T-shirt,is available for pre-order at the Craft store. Additionally, De ti depende will make its debut in 192/24 HD digital audio.
De ti depende arrives as Craft Latino celebrates the 60th anniversary of Fania Records. Throughout the year, Craft Latino will honor the iconic label’s enduring legacy—as well as its foundational contributions to salsa music—through reissues such as this one, new releases, plus a host of exclusive content. Visit fania.com/fania-60th to learn more.
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Perhaps the greatest interpreter of salsa music, singer Héctor Lavoe (1946 – 1993) was instrumental in popularizing the genre during the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. Known for his impeccably bright vocals, seamless phrasing, and ad-libbed anecdotes, it’s no surprise that Lavoe earned the nickname “El Cantante” after his 1978 hit of the same name (penned for him by the great Rubén Blades). Born Héctor Juan Pérez Martínez in Ponce, Puerto Rico, the singer relocated to New York City at 17, where he picked up his stage name and began performing in bands led by Roberto García, Kako, and Fania Recordsowner, Johnny Pacheco. It was through Pacheco that Lavoe met 16-year-old Willie Colón, with whom he would form one of Latin music’s most celebrated partnerships. Beginning in 1967, Lavoe appeared as a vocalist on ten legendary studio albums with the Willie Colón Orchestra, including the boogaloo classic, El malo (1967), plus best-sellers like Cosa nuestra(1969), Asalto Navideño (1971), and Lo mato (1973).
By the mid-’70s, however, Colón had shifted his focus to production, allowing Lavoe the opportunity to break out on his own. Salsa was reaching its peak popularity in the US, making it the perfect moment for the singer to carve out a spot as one of the genre’s biggest stars. His acclaimed, 1975 solo debut, La voz, was met with critical and commercial success—thanks to such breakout hits as “Mi gente” and “El todopoderoso.” With a newfound confidence, Lavoe returned to the studio for his sophomore album, De ti depende (It’s Up to You). But this time, he held the title of bandleader.
Embracing his new role, the singer reunited with members of Colón’s orchestra (including percussionists José Mangual Jr. and Milton Cardona, pianist “Professor” Joe Torres, and bassist Santi Gonzalez). Lavoe also sought out a varied selection of material that showcased his versatility as an interpreter. In addition to Afro-Caribbean rhythms, the singer chose several bolero themes, including the captivating “Tanto como ayer” and the lilting title track. Written by fellow New YorkerMiguel Angel Amadeo, “De ti depende” also features a standout cameo by the celebrated guitarist/cuatroist (and Lavoe’s frequent collaborator), Yomo Toro.
Other highlights include Perucho Torcat’s “Vamos a reír un poco,” guaracha song “Mentira,” and the dramatic, Tite Curet Alonso-penned “Periódico de ayer,” which remains one of Lavoe’s biggest hits. The autobiographical “Hacha y machete,” meanwhile, finds the singer reflecting on his longtime musical partnership with Colón. Released in 1976, De ti depende (It’s Up to You) was an immediate bestseller, proving Lavoe’s prowess as a vocalist and leader, while securing his place as one of Latin music’s most talented artists. Today, it remains a classic title in the salsa canon.
In the years following, De ti depende, Lavoe released six additional solo albums—including Comedia (1978) and the GRAMMY®-nominated Strikes Back (1987)—while he reunited with Colón for the 1983 Vigilante soundtrack. Lavoe also stayed busy as a regular guest with the celebrated Fania All Stars, appearing on more than a dozen live and studio albums with the collective.
While Lavoe’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 46, his legacy continues to live on through his vibrant catalog of music. Over the decades, his extensive contributions to Latin music have been honored in New York and Puerto Rico through a myriad of street dedications, statues, and murals. Lavoe’s life also inspired an off-Broadway play, a tribute album, and two feature films, including the Marc Anthony/Jennifer Lopez-led El cantante (2006). In 2000, Lavoe was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame.
About Fania Records’ 60TH Anniversary Celebration:
2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the legendary New York label Fania Records, one of the most significant Latin labels in the world, musically and culturally. In the ’60s, Fania was a pioneer in creating and spreading the sound of salsa music from New York City to the globe. In addition to salsa, Fania is the definitive home for genres such as Latin big band, Afro-Cuban jazz, boogaloo and Latin soul. Its roster of artists includes countless music legends, such as Johnny Pacheco, Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Cheo Feliciano and Rubén Blades, among many others. In 1968, the creation of the international supergroup known as the Fania All-Stars, a vital force in Latin music, established the label’s signature musical style, which became known as the “Fania Sound.” Today, Fania’s legacy is just as meaningful to Latin music as Stax and Motown to soul or Prestige and Blue Note to jazz. It remains a cultural beacon, illuminating a powerful American immigrant story that is as timely today as when the label launched. To celebrate Fania’s legacy on this special milestone, Craft Latino will release over a dozen remastered 180-gram vinyl reissues, over two dozen remastered digital albums, many of which will debut in hi-res digital, and a variety of content throughout the year, including curated playlists, artist spotlights and live events across New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and London.
Tracklist (Vinyl):
Side A
- Vamos a reír un poco
- De ti depende
- Periódico de ayer
- Consejo de oro
Side B
- Tanto como ayer
- Hacha y machete
- Felices horas
- Mentira
*Digital tracklist mirrors the vinyl
