Latin Artist of the Month for March 2021
Juan Azarias Pacheco Knipping, otherwise known as Johnny Pacheco, is a musical legend. He was born on March 25th, 1935, in Santiago de los Caballeros. This Dominican-American musician, arranger, composer, bandleader, and record producer dedicated and gave so much to the music industry.
After playing with Gil Suarez’s band, he co-founded The Chuchulecos Boys with Eddie Palmieri, Barry Rogers, Al Santiago, Mike Collazo, and Ray Santos. In 1960 he formed his own band, Pacheco Y Su Charanga.
Not only was Pacheco a 9-time Grammy nominee, but was awarded the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award by the Latin Recording Academy in 2005. Through his role in Fania records and the creation of Pachanga, he was an important component in the evolution of Latin music. In the 1960s and 1970s he was big name in the New York salsa scene and his legacy continue to live on today.
On February 15, 2021 Pacheco passed away at the age of 85 in Teaneck, New Jersey. We will all remember the impact he had the Latin music industry.
