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.
Sin Tu Carino
Fania All Stars Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sin tu cariño y sin tu consuelo no sé
y de tristeza todo se nubla
Y por tu ausencia hasta se me olvida como reír
Sin tu cariño no existen rosas ni primaveras
Aunque quisiera de mí no puedo apartarte ya;
Sin tu cariño son de cartón todas las estrellas
Sin tonterías mi amor
Te juro que no exagero
Y es que te quiero y sin tu cariño
No hay nada más
Aprieta Robert
Recuerdo a mi noviecita mi amor a los quince años
Yo tratando de besarla y me decía
Si me vuelves a tocar te araño
Qué bonito es el amor
El amor cuando es sincero
Es como una cosquillita que recorre el cuerpo entero
Qué bonito es el amor
Y el querer cuando te quieren En todo vez alegría y lo imposible se puede
Qué bonito es el amor
Porque acaba con las penas Cosa rica cosa buena
Qué bonito es el amor
De viejo o adolescente
Es una llamarada que adentro esperanza enciende
Qué bonito es el amor
Más si no es correspondido
Dale un palo en la cabeza
Y después le das olvido
Oye lo que llega aquí
O melior piano du mundo
(El mejor piano del mundo; en Portugués)
Papo Lucas
Sin tu cariño son de cartón todas las estrellas
Y no hay poesía ni hay alegría cuando no estás
Sin tonterías mi amor
Te juro que no exagero;
Y es que te quiero y sin tu cariño
No hay nada más
Sin tu cariño son de cartón todas las estrellas
Y no hay poesía ni hay alegría cuando no estás
Sin tonterías mi amor
Te juro que no exagero
Y es que te quiero y sin tu cariño
No hay nada más
Y vuelve
Sin tu cariño son de cartón todas las estrellas
Y no hay poesía ni hay alegría cuando no estás
Sin tonterías mi amor
Te juro que no exagero
Y es que te quiero y sin tu cariño
No hay nada más
Pare apare pare
The song "Sin Tu Cariño" by Fania All-Stars speaks about the emptiness one can feel when they are without the love and affection of the person they care for. The lyrics describe a world that lacks color and beauty, where even laughter is forgotten when one is separated from the object of their affection. The first line particularly translates to "Without your love, I have no sun and am missing the sky", emphasizing the despair and longing the singer feels.
The song also touches on the theme of the beauty and importance of love itself, stating that it brings joy and hope, and can make the impossible possible. The chorus repeats the line "Sin tonterías mi amor, te juro que no exagero" which translates to "Without fooling around, my love, I swear I'm not exaggerating", showing the sincerity and authenticity of the singer's emotions. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, driving home the idea that the love of the person they care for is essential to their happiness and well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
Sin tu cariño no tengo sol y me falta cielo
My world is dark and empty without your love.
Sin tu cariño y sin tu consuelo no sé
I am lost without your love and comfort.
y de tristeza todo se nubla
Sadness clouds my thoughts and actions.
Y por tu ausencia hasta se me olvida como reír
Without you, I forget how to laugh and enjoy life.
Sin tu cariño no existen rosas ni primaveras
My world is colorless and lifeless without your love.
Aunque quisiera de mí no puedo apartarte ya;
I cannot help but love and need you.
Sin tu cariño son de cartón todas las estrellas
The stars lose their magic and wonder without your love.
Y no hay poesía ni hay alegría cuando no estás
There is no poetry or joy without you by my side.
Sin tonterías mi amor
Trust me, my love,
Te juro que no exagero
I swear I am not exaggerating
Y es que te quiero y sin tu cariño
I love you and without your love
No hay nada más
There is nothing else.
Recuerdo a mi noviecita mi amor a los quince años
I remember my first love at fifteen years old.
Yo tratando de besarla y me decía
I tried to kiss her and she said to me,
Si me vuelves a tocar te araño
If you touch me again, I'll scratch you.
Qué bonito es el amor
Love is beautiful.
El amor cuando es sincero
Love is true when it is sincere.
Es como una cosquillita que recorre el cuerpo entero
It feels like a tickle that spreads throughout the whole body.
Y el querer cuando te quieren
To love and be loved in return
En todo vez alegría y lo imposible se puede
Brings happiness and makes the impossible possible.
Porque acaba con las penas
Love brings an end to our sorrows.
Cosa rica cosa buena
It's a wonderful, beautiful thing.
De viejo o adolescente
Young or old,
Es una llamarada que adentro esperanza enciende
It ignites a flame of hope inside us.
Más si no es correspondido
But if it is not returned
Dale un palo en la cabeza
Give them a hit on the head,
Y después le das olvido
And then forget about them.
Sin tu cariño son de cartón todas las estrellas
The stars lose their magic and wonder without your love.
Y no hay poesía ni hay alegría cuando no estás
There is no poetry or joy without you by my side.
Sin tonterías mi amor
Trust me, my love,
Te juro que no exagero;
I swear I am not exaggerating;
Y es que te quiero y sin tu cariño
I love you and without your love
No hay nada más
There is nothing else.
Y vuelve
And return to me,
Pare apare pare
Come back to me,
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Louie Ramirez, Ruben Blades
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jose Flores Vargas
Los arreglos de Louis Ramirez, ese vibrafono espectacular
Gategate100
Wow, simplemente trae una lluvia de recuerdos, wow!!!
Eduardo Rodriguez
Salsa de la buena Rubén blades 🎶🎵🎶😘
Ernesto Rivera-Rodriguez
Esta salsa es lo major de mis tiempos Fania all stars
Terrence Zarate Sr
After all these years, still my song!
laura Vazquez
Cuantos recuerdos Dios mío 😦 los tiempos BUENOS recuerdos de felicidades 🎊 🎈 que no vuelven jamas
Denis Cedeño
Muchos recuerdos me trae esta canción.
D D
What a powerhouse of talent. The only one missing is Celia Cruz. Great memories of that time. When vocalists really sang and music topics dealt with love and such but the lyrics were clean. It put people to dance and have fun. These moments will forever be in my heart.
Alicia Diago
What a unique voice!
Alicia Diago
This is the original version of Sin Tu Carino and certainly the best one of all...