The Latin Recording Academy® statement about Johnny Pacheco

 
Johnny Pacheco was a creative composer, arranger, bandleader and producer, in addition to being a gifted musician and a charming performer.
 
An original member of the acclaimed Fania All-Stars, and co-founder of Fania Records in the '60s, Pacheco is widely considered as one of the "fathers of salsa." During his decades-long career, he worked with some of the most prominent salsa artists, including Celia Cruz, Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, Cheo Feliciano and Pete "El Conde" Rodríguez.
 
He received the 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award from The Latin Recording Academy, and his extensive body of work has been nominated for both Latin GRAMMY^® and GRAMMY^® Awards on several occasions.
 
Johnny Pacheco will be greatly missed, but his music and legacy will live forever and continue to inspire music creators around the world. Our hearts go out to his wife, Cuqui, and their family during this difficult time.
 
Gabriel Abaroa, Jr. 
President/CEO
The Latin Recording Academy^®