Fania Records is probably the most transcendental label in the history of Latin music. By bringing together the eclectic vision of Dominican bandleader Johnny Pachecowith the business savvy of impresario Jerry Masucci, Fania created a sound: the apex of tropical music, combined with the swing of big band jazz and the gritty vibe of American R&B. The label provided an artistic heaven for a young generation of musicians who were inspired to experiment with new musical formats. The albums recorded by Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades and Eddie Palmieri from the early '70s to the mid-'80s went beyond the parameters of so-called "salsa" - taking Latin music to unsuspected levels of sophistication.
