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.
Picadillo
Fania All Stars Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is a day without your loving baby
One look, one look and well seem as one
That's how easy we communicate
A single match can make a fire begin
A single kiss and I'm warm within girl
Gotta hold on to this feeling
Gotta hold on to this feeling we got
Gotta hold on to this feeling we got
Gonna blow, blow for ya
'Cause I love, love, love, ya now
Your love, your love got a hold on me now
Don't change, don't change and turn cold on me, girl
No how it's got a signed guarantee
Your warranty depends on me
If love, if love could sign a dotted line
It would surely fine your name next to mine
To be sure we keep the love we got
Just keep them kisses comin'
It ain't hard, girl
Gotta hold on to this feeling
Gotta hold on to this feeling we got now
Gotta hold on to this feeling
Gotta hold on to this feeling we got now
Gotta blow, blow, blow for ya
'Cause I love, love, love ya now
The lyrics of Fania All-Stars' song Picadillo speak about the importance of holding onto one's love and the little things that keep it alive. The song starts off by saying that a day without love is like a day without sunshine. The singer then talks about how communication is easy between them and their partner with just a single look. The use of a simile helps emphasize how intimate and strong their connection is.
The following verse is about how simple actions or gestures can spark a flame and create a warm feeling within the singer. The repetition of the phrase 'gotta hold on to this feeling' highlights the importance of cherishing and maintaining this connection. The chorus is an expression of the singer's love and devotion to their partner. They say that they will blow for them, indicating that they will do anything for them. The following verse reassures their love that they will never turn cold or change, and that the warranty on their relationship depends on the singer.
This song is an expression of love, devotion, and the importance of holding on to one's partner. It highlights how little things like communication, gestures, and physical touch can keep a relationship alive. The repeated use of the phrase 'gotta hold on to this feeling' emphasizes how important it is to keep working on one's love and the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
The day without the shining sun
A day without your love is dull and lifeless like a day without sunshine.
Is a day without your loving baby
Without your love, life loses its meaning and purpose.
One look, one look and we'll seem as one
It's easy for us to understand each other with just a single glance.
That's how easy we communicate
Our communication is effortless and flows naturally.
A single match can make a fire begin
Just like a single match can start a big fire, a small gesture can ignite a great love.
A single kiss and I'm warm within girl
Just one kiss from you can make me feel all warm and loved inside.
Gotta hold on to this feeling
We need to cherish and maintain this wonderful feeling of love and closeness.
Gotta hold on to this feeling we got
We need to hold on tight to this amazing love that we share.
Gonna blow, blow for ya
I'll do everything I can for you, because I love you so much.
'Cause I love, love, love, ya now
I am deeply in love with you right now and always will be.
Your love, your love got a hold on me now
Your love has taken hold of me and I can't imagine life without you.
Don't change, don't change and turn cold on me, girl
Please don't ever change and become distant or cold towards me, my love.
No how it's got a signed guarantee
Our love is solid and has a guaranteed future together, no matter what.
Your warranty depends on me
Our love's continuation depends on both of us working together and putting in effort.
If love, if love could sign a dotted line
If love was a contract, we would both sign on the dotted line without hesitation.
It would surely find your name next to mine
Our names would be right next to each other on the contract, showing that we are meant to be together.
To be sure we keep the love we got
We need to make sure that we maintain and strengthen the love we currently have.
Just keep them kisses comin'
We just need to keep expressing our love through simple gestures like kisses.
It ain't hard, girl
Maintaining our love is not difficult, as long as we continue to put in effort.
Gotta hold on to this feeling
We must try to preserve this feeling of love and closeness.
Gotta hold on to this feeling we got now
We need to securely grasp this wonderful love that we have right now.
Gotta blow, blow, blow for ya
I'll do anything to show you how much I love you and to keep our relationship strong.
'Cause I love, love, love ya now
The depth of my love for you is immeasurable and eternal.
Contributed by Alexis H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Luckylouie522
STEVE WINWOOD GUITAR
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ARTURO
Arturo Caballero
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ninajar84
Tremenda fusión, cuando se hacía buena música, experimentado con otros géneros musicales como el Jazz, Rock, excelente tema del año 1976 creo.
Alicia Jimenez
Es un verdadero placer escuchar esto ❤😍
Son del Caribe y otros ritmos🎼
Fania buscando hacer otra música jazz. Para el momento este Lp no tuvo éxito en el mercado musical del 76-77. Con el pasar del tiempo se reinvindico. Hoy en día una verdadera joya musical.
Michael Pierce
Brilliant..I heard this in the 70s..big Winwood fan..he adds so much to it...but even without him...great track...and great album
Berkin Altinok
How big of a fan are you? :)
Hector Mendez
This is pure funky Salsa with a dash of Jazz & Rock.Fania all stars kicking ass to max.
IVAN DARIO CELIS VILLA
La Mejor Versión de Todas... Una Melodía
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