Disco memories in Salsa

**MixMasterMax** · February 11th, 2004, 10:20 AM

In the 70's there were 2 (probably more) Discotheque scenes happening at the same time (at least in NY). Some clubs did a great job at blending the two. Anyway, it would be great if some of you folks can provide some artist and song titles to latin/salsa tracks being played during the Disco era. These would be tracks with spanish vocals and not the spanish artist singing in english. Hope this is not too off topic for this group.

:D Thanks :D

**Bernie** · February 11th, 2004, 11:20 AM

While not the best example, La Charanga 76 had a few club hits-sung in Spanish-that was played in mainstream Disco's and radio.

**Keith RS** · February 11th, 2004, 02:21 PM

In the 70's, the most recognized label was "Fania". Artists like Celia Cruz, Willie Colon, Hector Lavoe, Johnny Pacheco, and Cheo Feliciano were among their biggest artists. On the East Coast, there were DJs that were latinos who had a vast knowledge of disco and latin music. It was not unlikely to walk into a disco and hear a latin record, though rare.

If you are looking to buy salsa from that era that may have been play in discos, here are some suggestions:

Roberto Roena-"Su Apolo Sound vol. 6"(1975)- real classic, the song "Parece Mentira"(seems like a lie) was redone by Marc Anthony for the "Carlito's Way" soundtrack.

Willie Colon y Celia Cruz (1977)-Great cd, the song "Usted Abuso" is still one of the most played songs in latin clubs!

Hector Lavoe-greatest hits. Includes the classics "El Cantante"(the singer) and "El Todopoderoso"(the Almighty), you can hear the later during the movie"Carlito's Way" when Pacino first walks in the club.

Also, many R & B bands in the 70's play some latin flavored music. War, Mandrill, Earth, Wind, & Fire among them. Who can forget "Nappy Head" from War's "All Day Music" album.

Hope this helps you!!!

**MixMasterMax** · February 12th, 2004, 08:22 AM

Thank You! This is very helpful. The Fania All Stars, how could I have forgoten the..... :o

**NickNack** · February 12th, 2004, 08:37 PM

A friend and I used to hang out and listen to Eddie Rivera play at The Bon Soir in New York. He had just gotten out of the Navy and hadn't started IDRC yet. He had a killer cover of Santana's "Batuka" which I've since lost. Also remember him playing "Hagalo" by Mandrill. Eddie would always sweeten his nights with some serious Salsa (most of which I've forgotten) since the club was catering to a Latino crowd. We Blacks didn't mind since, when we were growing up in the 60's, if you couldn't "Latin" or "Hustle" you stayed off the dancefloor. :D

**MixMasterMax** · February 13th, 2004, 08:34 AM

NN, the "serious salsa" you mentioned is exactly what I am looking for. I have some good leads to work on, thanks.

I remember Eddie from a club called Cork & Bottle (I think it was him).

Maybe I can kill 2 birds here. Does anyone have artist/names of Brazilian songs that were played in some NY clubs like the Ipanema and another which I can't remember right now :oops: ?

**Bernie** · February 13th, 2004, 09:00 AM

Originally Written by MixMasterMax

NN, the "serious salsa" you mentioned is exactly what I am looking for. I have some good leads to work on, thanks.

I remember Eddie from a club called Cork & Bottle (I think it was him).

Maybe I can kill 2 birds here. Does anyone have artist/names of Brazilian songs that were played in some NY clubs like the Ipanema and another which I can't remember right now :oops: ?

Yes, Eddie was the with the Cork & Bottle. See the Ray "Pinky" Velazquez Interview for more.

**Mixmachine** · February 14th, 2004, 09:26 PM

Originally Written by NickNack

He had a killer cover of Santana's "Batuka" which I've since lost.

Must be "Batuca" by Tito Puente

Check out "Pedro Navaja" Ruben Blades, very popular back then.....

**Nano** · February 15th, 2004, 03:33 PM

"Pedro Navaja" was the very first salsa song that got radio airplay in my country. But that was, like, 1982 at least.
These ones below aren't salsa, but have Spanish lyrics in part at least, and were on heavy rotation at every disco club some years earlier:

-GIBSON BROTHERS - "Cuba"
-GIBSON BROTHERS - "Mariana"
-JOE BATAAN - "Mestizo/Rap-o-clap-o"
-PERUCHO CONDE - "La cotorra criolla"
-KID CREOLE/COATI MUNDI - "Que pasa/Me no Pop I"