The book paints Hector Lavoe as beloved and respected by fellow musicians but also derided for his unpunctuality and psychoses brought on by his drug use and personal troubles, the sum of which was hugely problematic. Yet when the singer was on stage it was like magic, and all shortcomings were momentarily forgotten.

The debut album of Spanish Harlem Orchestra, under the direction of pianist and arranger Oscar Hernandez, was released in 2002. By that...

Episode 44 of Encanto Tropical broadcasts as Part 2 of a tribute to Fania Records on its 60th anniversary with about two dozen salsa tracks.

The merits of “Anacaona” are not limited to musical aspects. Also important are the lyrics by Puerto Rican songwriter Tite Curet Alonso.

This is a 60th anniversary tribute to Fania Records which, despite some controversy, merits the claim of putting salsa on the music map.