Famous Musicians

The Roots of Salsa

Salsa music didn’t originate overnight—it grew from a rich tapestry of Afro-Cuban rhythms, Spanish melodies, and the cultural melting pot of the Caribbean and Latin America. Early innovators fused traditional forms into what would evolve into salsa, laying the groundwork.

Ignacio Piñeiro

Tito Puente

Pérez Prado

Salsa Takes Root in New York

Salsa was truly born in New York City in the 1960s and ‘70s, where immigrant communities from Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic brought their rhythms and combined them with urban jazz, rock, and soul.

Johnny Pacheco & Jerry Masucci: These visionaries co-founded Fania Records in 1964, creating a legendary label that brought together a generation of salsa musicians under one roof. Fania not only coined the term “salsa” for the genre but also created the “Fania All-Stars,” a supergroup that toured globally and defined salsa’s sound.

Icons of Salsa: The Fania Records All-Stars

Rubén Blades

A lyrical genius from Panama who brought social and political commentary to salsa. His album Siembra with Colón was revolutionary.

Celia Cruz

The Queen of Salsa, known for her booming voice and trademark “¡Azúcar!”. She brought Afro-Cuban flair and global recognition to salsa.

Ray Barretto

Master percussionist who fused Latin jazz with salsa. His album Indestructible is a powerful mix of rhythm and soul.

Héctor Lavoe

Beloved for his emotional voice and tragic life, Lavoe is known as “El Cantante de los Cantantes” and was central to Fania’s golden era.

Salsa’s subgenres

As salsa spread worldwide, it evolved into several regional styles, each shaped by local culture and dance traditions:

New York Style Salsa (On2/Mambo Style): Known for its elegance and smooth footwork, this style is danced “on 2,” emphasizing the second beat. It incorporates jazz elements and shines for its improvisational flair.
Puerto Rican Style Salsa: Characterized by dynamic turns and body isolations. This style often blends traditional bomba and plena rhythms, highlighting Puerto Rico’s folkloric roots.
Cuban Style Salsa (Casino): Rooted in Cuban son, this style is circular and often danced in groups (rueda de casino), reflecting communal energy and rhythmic complexity.
Colombian Style Salsa: Fast-paced with intricate footwork, this style reflects Colombia’s energetic dance culture and often features breakneck tempos and acrobatic moves.

Works Cited

“The Origins of Salsa Music in New York City.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 27 Aug. 2019, www.history.com/news/salsa-music-origins-new-york-city-mambo.

“Tito Puente.” Biography, A&E Television Networks, 2 Apr. 2014, www.biography.com/musicians/tito-puente.

“Pérez Prado.” All About Jazz, www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/perez-prado. Accessed 2 May 2025.

“Salsa Styles: The Differences between Cuban, LA, NY & Colombian.” The Dance Dojo, www.thedancedojo.com/salsa-styles. Accessed 2 May 2025.

“Celia Cruz.” Latino Americans, PBS, www.pbs.org/latino-americans/en/stories/celia-cruz/. Accessed 2 May 2025.

Lopez, Felix Contreras. “Héctor Lavoe: The Voice of Salsa.” NPR, 22 July 2008, www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92620754.

Garcia, Sandra. “Rubén Blades: The Salsa Revolutionary.” Smithsonian Magazine, Smithsonian Institution, July 2018, www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/ruben-blades-salsa-revolutionary-180968512/.

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