The Fania All-Stars was an illustrious and widely distinguished musical ens… Read Full Bio ↴The Fania All-Stars was an illustrious and widely distinguished musical ensemble established in 1968 by composer Johnny Pacheco as a showcase for the leading musicians and singers of the record label Fania Records, the leading salsa record company of the time.
In 1964, Fania Records was founded in New York City by Jerry Masucci, an Italian-American lawyer with a love for Latin melodies, and Johnny Pacheco, a talented composer and bandleader born in the Dominican Republic. Jerry Masucci later bought out his partner Johnny Pacheco from Fania Entertainment Group Ltd. and was sole owner for many years until his death in December 1997.
Throughout the early years, Fania used to distribute its records to music aficionados around New York City, even going as far as selling their products out of the trunks of cars. But eventually good word-of-mouth and immense success from Johnny Pacheco's Cañonaso recording would lead the label to develop its roster. Masucci and Pacheco, now executive negotiator and musical director, respectively, began acquiring fresh and creative NYC artists like Bobby Valentín, Larry Harlow and Ray Barreto.
Similar to Pacheco, most of these new talents were residents of the city's barrios and boroughs, that had moved to the city from their homelands and brought their music along. Thus, Fania and it's All-Stars were results of this era of musical renaissance and understanding among the countless cultures of NYC. They created tunes using a variety of genres available in this melting pot, including those of salsa, boogalu, Cuban Jazz and Latin R&B.
In 1968, with Fania Records garnering more acclaim and a troupe of emerging artists, Jerry Masucci and Johnny Pacheco decided to create an ensemble of the most well-known and innovative Fania artists, a continuously-revolving line-up of entertainers known as the Fania All-Stars.
During the 1970s, the star-studded group became renowned worldwide for their spectacular one-of-a-kind musical performances. Because of this, it is no surprise that their music was primarily captured and lives on today through a series of best-selling live recordings.
Among the most treasured of these recordings is the legendary arrangement "Fania All Stars: Live At The Cheetah, Volumes 1 and 2." The set, recorded in 1971 and produced a year later by Fania's own keyboard player Larry Harlow, exhibits the entire All-Star family performing before a capacity audience in New York's Cheetah Lounge. The volumes went on to become the biggest-selling Latin albums ever produced by one group from one concert. To this day, they are is still considered by many as the essence of Latin music.
Following sell-out concerts in Puerto Rico, Chicago and Panama, the All-Stars embarked on their first appearance at New York's Yankee Stadium on August 24th, 1973. The Stars performed before an unprecedented crowd of 63,000 spectators in a concert that highlighted the talents of Ray Barretto, Willie Colón, Larry Harlow, Johnny Pacheco, Roberto Roena, Bobby Valentín, and Jorge Santana (younger brother of Carlos Santana), among others. In the days leading up to the concert, it was anticipated that the event would revolutionize the music business similar to how the Beatles did in the early 1960s. In fact, when the All-Stars returned to Yankee Stadium in 1975, they became ingrained in history. This time, the highlighted acts included Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Miranda, Justo Betancourt, Ismael Quintana, Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez, Bobby Cruz and Santos Colón. That year, "Live at Yankee Stadium" was included in the second set of 50 recordings in the List of recordings preserved in the United States National Recording Registry, solidifying the All-Stars as "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant."
Just a few months before, in 1974, the All Stars had performed in Zaire, Africa, at the 80,000-seat Stadu du Hai in Kinshasa. This unforgettable spectacle was captured on film by Gast and released as "Live In Africa" ("Salsa Madness" in the UK). This Zairean appearance occurred along with James Brown and others at a music festival held in conjunction with the Mohammed Ali/George Foreman heavyweight title fight. Footage of the performance was also included in the 2008 documentary "Soul Power".
In an attempt to attain a wider market for salsa, Fania made a deal with Columbia Records in the US for a series of crossover albums by the All Stars. 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.
In 1978 the All-Stars released "Live," a fully-blown version of the band recorded in concert at New York's Madison Square Garden in September of that year.
In 1979, Fania All-Stars travelled to Havana, Cuba, to participate in the historic Havana Jam festival that took place between 2-4 March, alongside Rita Coolidge, Kris Kristofferson, Stephen Stills, the CBS Jazz All-Stars, the Trio of Doom, Billy Swan, Bonnie Bramlett, Mike Finnegan, Weather Report, and Billy Joel, plus an array of Cuban artists such as Irakere, Pacho Alonso, Tata Güines and Orquesta Aragón. Their performance is captured on Ernesto Juan Castellanos's documentary Havana Jam '79.
That same year saw the release of "Crossover," the All-Stars' last Columbia Records album, as well as "Havana Jam on Fania," which came from a concert recorded in Havana on March 2nd.
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. In addition, the New York salsa scene, which had always been vital to the success of the label, was gradually succumbing to the rise of merengue from Dominican Republic and salsa romantica from Puerto Rico. As the decade ended, the All-Stars recorded fewer albums together, and it was pretty visible that the genre -- and the star-studded group that propelled it -- had reached the end of its golden age.
Although the Fania-All Stars troupe eventually reached a low during the late 1980s, many of the members continued to have individual success in their solo careers. Most notably, Hector Lavoe became an icon in the world of salsa, as people became enchanted both by his music and his tragic life story. In 2007, two films about Lavoe were released, including one produced by actress Jennifer Lopez and salsa star Marc Anthony.
Celia Cruz continued making hits until her death in 2003. In fact, Cruz gained popularity and renewed attention from younger generations throughout the new millennium, and her last singles became the biggest of her entire career. During these years, she was the recipient of numerous Grammy awards, was invited to perform alongside Aretha Franklin at the 2001 VH1 Divas concert, and just months before her passing, Univision presented a special tribute concert featuring over a dozen Latin music performers. After her death in New Jersey, her body was first laid in state in downtown Miami's Freedom Tower--where a quarter of a million people paid their final respects--and was then returned to New York City where tens of thousands of fans paid tribute to her in St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Willie Colon continued producing hits with Ruben Blades and as a solo artist. His latest album was released in 2007, and he currently works for Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City.
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. Nevertheless, their vigorous legacy is one that will live on for many generations. Having sold millions of records and fostered an enthusiastic following of fans throughout the globe, the legendary Fania All-Stars continue to be treasured and recognized as the quintessential Latin band of all time. Already, their music has transcended newer and contemporary genres like bachata and reggaeton. The music created by the All-Stars continues to entertain old and young fans alike, and they are as popular on the radio as they were back in the 70s. Interest in the iconic group has not declined, as albums, concerts, films and videos continue to be produced about the golden years of salsa.
During their extended and illustrious history, the New York City-based Fania All-Stars took their provocative and stirring rhythms on a journey throughout the world, and left music lovers enchanted with a remarkable collection of memorable performances that will capture the hearts and souls of listeners for many generations to come.
In 1964, Fania Records was founded in New York City by Jerry Masucci, an Italian-American lawyer with a love for Latin melodies, and Johnny Pacheco, a talented composer and bandleader born in the Dominican Republic. Jerry Masucci later bought out his partner Johnny Pacheco from Fania Entertainment Group Ltd. and was sole owner for many years until his death in December 1997.
Throughout the early years, Fania used to distribute its records to music aficionados around New York City, even going as far as selling their products out of the trunks of cars. But eventually good word-of-mouth and immense success from Johnny Pacheco's Cañonaso recording would lead the label to develop its roster. Masucci and Pacheco, now executive negotiator and musical director, respectively, began acquiring fresh and creative NYC artists like Bobby Valentín, Larry Harlow and Ray Barreto.
Similar to Pacheco, most of these new talents were residents of the city's barrios and boroughs, that had moved to the city from their homelands and brought their music along. Thus, Fania and it's All-Stars were results of this era of musical renaissance and understanding among the countless cultures of NYC. They created tunes using a variety of genres available in this melting pot, including those of salsa, boogalu, Cuban Jazz and Latin R&B.
In 1968, with Fania Records garnering more acclaim and a troupe of emerging artists, Jerry Masucci and Johnny Pacheco decided to create an ensemble of the most well-known and innovative Fania artists, a continuously-revolving line-up of entertainers known as the Fania All-Stars.
During the 1970s, the star-studded group became renowned worldwide for their spectacular one-of-a-kind musical performances. Because of this, it is no surprise that their music was primarily captured and lives on today through a series of best-selling live recordings.
Among the most treasured of these recordings is the legendary arrangement "Fania All Stars: Live At The Cheetah, Volumes 1 and 2." The set, recorded in 1971 and produced a year later by Fania's own keyboard player Larry Harlow, exhibits the entire All-Star family performing before a capacity audience in New York's Cheetah Lounge. The volumes went on to become the biggest-selling Latin albums ever produced by one group from one concert. To this day, they are is still considered by many as the essence of Latin music.
Following sell-out concerts in Puerto Rico, Chicago and Panama, the All-Stars embarked on their first appearance at New York's Yankee Stadium on August 24th, 1973. The Stars performed before an unprecedented crowd of 63,000 spectators in a concert that highlighted the talents of Ray Barretto, Willie Colón, Larry Harlow, Johnny Pacheco, Roberto Roena, Bobby Valentín, and Jorge Santana (younger brother of Carlos Santana), among others. In the days leading up to the concert, it was anticipated that the event would revolutionize the music business similar to how the Beatles did in the early 1960s. In fact, when the All-Stars returned to Yankee Stadium in 1975, they became ingrained in history. This time, the highlighted acts included Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Miranda, Justo Betancourt, Ismael Quintana, Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez, Bobby Cruz and Santos Colón. That year, "Live at Yankee Stadium" was included in the second set of 50 recordings in the List of recordings preserved in the United States National Recording Registry, solidifying the All-Stars as "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant."
Just a few months before, in 1974, the All Stars had performed in Zaire, Africa, at the 80,000-seat Stadu du Hai in Kinshasa. This unforgettable spectacle was captured on film by Gast and released as "Live In Africa" ("Salsa Madness" in the UK). This Zairean appearance occurred along with James Brown and others at a music festival held in conjunction with the Mohammed Ali/George Foreman heavyweight title fight. Footage of the performance was also included in the 2008 documentary "Soul Power".
In an attempt to attain a wider market for salsa, Fania made a deal with Columbia Records in the US for a series of crossover albums by the All Stars. 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.
In 1978 the All-Stars released "Live," a fully-blown version of the band recorded in concert at New York's Madison Square Garden in September of that year.
In 1979, Fania All-Stars travelled to Havana, Cuba, to participate in the historic Havana Jam festival that took place between 2-4 March, alongside Rita Coolidge, Kris Kristofferson, Stephen Stills, the CBS Jazz All-Stars, the Trio of Doom, Billy Swan, Bonnie Bramlett, Mike Finnegan, Weather Report, and Billy Joel, plus an array of Cuban artists such as Irakere, Pacho Alonso, Tata Güines and Orquesta Aragón. Their performance is captured on Ernesto Juan Castellanos's documentary Havana Jam '79.
That same year saw the release of "Crossover," the All-Stars' last Columbia Records album, as well as "Havana Jam on Fania," which came from a concert recorded in Havana on March 2nd.
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. In addition, the New York salsa scene, which had always been vital to the success of the label, was gradually succumbing to the rise of merengue from Dominican Republic and salsa romantica from Puerto Rico. As the decade ended, the All-Stars recorded fewer albums together, and it was pretty visible that the genre -- and the star-studded group that propelled it -- had reached the end of its golden age.
Although the Fania-All Stars troupe eventually reached a low during the late 1980s, many of the members continued to have individual success in their solo careers. Most notably, Hector Lavoe became an icon in the world of salsa, as people became enchanted both by his music and his tragic life story. In 2007, two films about Lavoe were released, including one produced by actress Jennifer Lopez and salsa star Marc Anthony.
Celia Cruz continued making hits until her death in 2003. In fact, Cruz gained popularity and renewed attention from younger generations throughout the new millennium, and her last singles became the biggest of her entire career. During these years, she was the recipient of numerous Grammy awards, was invited to perform alongside Aretha Franklin at the 2001 VH1 Divas concert, and just months before her passing, Univision presented a special tribute concert featuring over a dozen Latin music performers. After her death in New Jersey, her body was first laid in state in downtown Miami's Freedom Tower--where a quarter of a million people paid their final respects--and was then returned to New York City where tens of thousands of fans paid tribute to her in St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Willie Colon continued producing hits with Ruben Blades and as a solo artist. His latest album was released in 2007, and he currently works for Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City.
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. Nevertheless, their vigorous legacy is one that will live on for many generations. Having sold millions of records and fostered an enthusiastic following of fans throughout the globe, the legendary Fania All-Stars continue to be treasured and recognized as the quintessential Latin band of all time. Already, their music has transcended newer and contemporary genres like bachata and reggaeton. The music created by the All-Stars continues to entertain old and young fans alike, and they are as popular on the radio as they were back in the 70s. Interest in the iconic group has not declined, as albums, concerts, films and videos continue to be produced about the golden years of salsa.
During their extended and illustrious history, the New York City-based Fania All-Stars took their provocative and stirring rhythms on a journey throughout the world, and left music lovers enchanted with a remarkable collection of memorable performances that will capture the hearts and souls of listeners for many generations to come.
Mi Gente
Fania All Stars Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mi Gente
Mi gente ¡Ustedes!
Lo más grande de este mundo
Siempre me hacen sentir
Un orgullo profundo
Los llamé ¡vengan conmigo
No me preguntaron dónde
Orgullo tengo de ustedes
Mi gente siempre responde
Vinieron todos para oirme guarachar
Pero como soy de ustedes
Yo los invitaré a cantar
Conmigo sí van a bailar
Yo los invitaré a gozar conmigo sí
Que cante mi gente
Mi gente ¡Ustedes!
Lo más grande de este mundo
Siempre me hacen sentir
Un orgullo profundo
Los llamé ¡vengan conmigo
Orgullo tengo de ustedes
Mi gente siempre responde
Vinieron todos para oirme guarachar
Pero como soy de ustedes
Yo los invitaré a cantar
Conmigo sí van a bailar
Yo los invitaré a gozar conmigo sí
Que cante mi gente
The song "Mi Gente" by Fania All Stars is a tribute to the people (mi gente) who have been supportive and uplifting to the artist. It starts with a declaration of how important the people are to the artist, describing them as the greatest in the world. The song goes on to describe how the artist called on the people, and even though they didn't ask where or why, they came anyway. The artist is proud of the people and knows that they will always respond to him with enthusiasm and support.
As the song progresses, the artist invites the people to dance and sing with him. He acknowledges that they came to hear him perform, but because he is one with his people, he invites them to participate in the performance. The artist believes that the people will not only dance with him but also celebrate with him. The song then closes by calling out to the people to sing.
Overall, "Mi Gente" is a beautiful tribute to the power of community and the artist's love for his people.
Line by Line Meaning
Mi gente ¡Ustedes!
My people, all of you! You are the greatest in this world, and whenever I am with you, I feel a deep sense of pride.
Lo más grande de este mundo
You are the biggest and the best thing in this entire world.
Siempre me hacen sentir
You always make me feel so good and happy.
Un orgullo profundo
Your achievements bring me a deep sense of pride and joy.
Los llamé ¡vengan conmigo
I called out to you all, asking you to come with me.
No me preguntaron dónde
You didn't ask me where we were going or what we would be doing.
Orgullo tengo de ustedes
I am so proud of all of you, my people.
Mi gente siempre responde
You, my people, always respond to my call and come through for me.
Vinieron todos para oirme guarachar
Everybody came to hear me sing and perform some lively, upbeat music for them.
Pero como soy de ustedes
But because I belong to you, my people,
Yo los invitaré a cantar
I will invite you all to sing and perform with me.
Conmigo sí van a bailar
You will all dance with me.
Yo los invitaré a gozar conmigo sí
I will invite you to have the time of your lives with me.
Que cante mi gente
My people, let's sing together and have a great time.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Marcus Quintanilla, Amado Parejas, Ralph Anthony, Johnny Pacheco
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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@christian1409crema
QEPD Héctor lavoe
QEPD santos colon
QEPD cheo Feliciano
QEPD judío Larry Harrow
QEPD Ray Barreto
QEPD Celia Cruz
QEPD Jorge Santana
QEPD Yomo Toro
QEPD Jhony Pacheco
QEPD Ismael Quintana
QEPD Roberto Roena
@shuriken-chan819
Mi gente ¡Ustedes!
Lo más grande de este mundo
Siempre me hacen sentir
Un orgullo profundo
Los llamé ¡vengan conmigo
No me preguntaron dónde
Orgullo tengo de ustedes
Mi gente siempre responde
Vinieron todos para oirme guarachar
Pero como soy de ustedes
Yo los invitaré a cantar
Conmigo sí van a bailar
Yo los invitaré a gozar conmigo sí
Que cante mi gente.
@werneralvarez2127
Siempre fui metalero y rockero. Fundamentalista al inicio. A mis 36 años empiezo a descubrir musica que antes despreciaba. Pero con las experiencias musicales que he ido conociendo y dejando los fanatismos por fuera me doy cuenta. Esta gente eran mounstruos en la musica, tremendas orquestas, musicalizacion compleja, cantantes con espiritu, musicos capos cada uno en lo suyo. Me perdi por mucho tiempo de todo esto, pero si valoro el sentir esta musica como fresca para mi entre tanta musica mediocre que hay hoy en dia. y me da gusto explorar la salsa siendo todo nuevo para mi. Se que hay mucho material por escuchar y eso me reconforta. Saludos a todos.
@punkobrero
La Salsa tiene mucho que ver con el Rock, hace décadas la escucho.
@christiancastro5746
Amen!
@angelaldana8937
Bienvenido al mundo de la salsa hermano!!! Te garantizo que mientras más la descubras, más te vas a enamorar de ella!!!!
@user-id6ll3eg7p
@Angel Aldana toda la razon, es de locos seguir y seguir descubriendo musica y sobre todo la salsa. Hay mas salsa que pescao
@egonzalezmejias
Eso es parte de evolucionar , hay tanta buena música que cerrarse a un solo tipo es una tontera , en mi caso personal Maiden , el viejo metallica siempre estará ahí pero esto es todo un allazgo
@urielquiroga2994
Cero computadores,cero sintentisadores,sonido puro,bien hecho, percusión perfecta, instrumentos de viento,voz,coros perfectos y la dirección lo máximo Johny Pacheco,paz en su tumba.
@djtesty7110
de orto planeta eran estos musicos
@martymartins74
@Dj Testy orto?
@antonioarrieta42
100% talento.....!!!!