Jerry
Masucci left an indelible impression on
the world of Latin music when he died December
20, 1997. He parlayed a love for Latin music
and a skill for songwriting into the successful
Fania record label, which sent configurations
under the name "Fania All-Stars"
to perform at major jazz festivals. Incidentally,
there was a healthy competition between
the "Allegre (another record label)
All-stars" and the "Fania All-stars,"
the former being spurred on by Charlie
Palmieri.
In
1964 Masucci co-founded Fania to cultivate
the salsa sound, combining New York, African,
and Latin Caribbean influences. He produced
the work of Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Ruben
Blades, Willie Colon, Ray Barretto, Joe
Bataan, and Justo Betancourt. He wrote songs
for Blades and the Fania All-Stars.
|
