Johnny Pacheco, Who Helped Bring Salsa to the World, Dies at 85
A Dominican-born bandleader and songwriter, he co-founded Fania Records, known as the Motown of Salsa.
Johnny Pacheco performing in Manhattan in 2009. His company, Fania Records, was a powerhouse in Latin music.Credit...Chad Batka for The New York Times
By Elias E. Lopez
Johnny Pacheco, the Dominican-born bandleader who co-founded the record label that turned salsa music into a worldwide sensation, died on Monday in Teaneck, N.J. He was 85.
His wife, Maria Elena Pacheco, who is known as Cuqui, confirmed the death, at Holy Name Medical Center. Mr. Pacheco lived in Fort Lee, N.J.