Fania Records is a New York based record label established by Dominican-conceived author and bandleader Johnny Pacheco and his Brooklyn conceived Italian-American ex-New York City Police Officer turned attorney Jerry Masucci in 1964. The name took its name from a well known luncheonette regularly visited by artists in Havana, Cuba that Masucci regularly visited when he worked for an advertising firm there during the pre-Castro time. Fania is known for its advancement of Salsa music.

Disappointed by the pitiful measure of cash he was getting for his accounts, Johnny Pacheco began Fania Records in 1964 and offered records to music stores out of the storage compartment of his vehicle. To assist with financing the business, he merged with his Brooklyn-conceived Italian legal advisor and advertiser Jerry Masucci, and in 1964 established the Fania name to deliver, advance and market the music of Latinos in New York. The label began as a little endeavor however acquired fame after the progress of Pacheco's first record/collection, johnny Pacheco's "Cañonazo", prompting the development of its ability base Pacheco envisioned. Among Fania's unmistakable stars are: Pete "El Conde" Rodríguez, Hector Casanova, Rey Reyes, Willie Colón, Celia Cruz, Eric Gale, Larry Harlow, Ray Barretto, Ralfi Pagan, Luis "Perico" Ortiz, Bobby Valentín, Rubén Blades, Héctor Lavoe, Cheo Feliciano, Adalberto Santiago, Ismael Miranda and numerous others.

This Puerto Rican singer owes much of his personal success to the time he spent with the legendary Ray Barreto. However, Adalberto Santiago has also worked with some of the biggest names in the industry including Roberto Roena and Louie Ramirez. His legacy as a real sonero was achieved during the time he spent with the Fania All Stars. Some of his most famous tracks include "Quitate La Mascara," "La Hipocresia Y La Falsedad," and "La Noche Mas Linda." ​

Tito Rodriguez had a wonderful voice for Bolero. In fact, because of his enduring interpretation of the Bolero song "Inolvidable," he is usually remembered as "El Involvidable" (The Unforgettable). Besides his voice, Tito Rodriguez was also a talented songwriter as well as a complete musician able to play different instruments. His influence on Mambo was significant. ​

Benny More is one of the most important names in Cuban music. A true pioneer of the sonerosgroup, Benny More was able to play it all. From Cuban Son and Mambo to Bolero and Guaracha, Benny More felt comfortable adding his voice to all the rhythms from its native land. He was also a member of the legendary Trio Matamoros. ​

"El Conde," as he was known, had a wonderful, powerful voice that fit the heaviest Descarga in the same way it fit the sweetest Bolero. He gained worldwide exposure with Johnny Pacheco and the Fania All Stars. Some of hist best singles include "Catalina La O," "La Escencia del Guaguanco," "Micaela" and "Sonero." His version of the Bolero song "Convergencia" is one of the best in its genre. ​

Besides having all the features that define a sonero, Ruben Blades has produced some of the most meaningful lyrics in Salsa music. His glory has not only touched music but also acting and even politics. Some of his most popular hits include "Plastico," "Decisiones" and "Te Estan Buscando." His single "Pedro Navaja" is considered one of the greatest Salsa songs of all time. This Panamanian artist built a big chunk of his initial success alongside Willie Colon. ​

Cheo Feliciano is the owner of one of the sweetest and most romantic voices Salsa music has ever known. This Puerto Rican singer started his career back in the 1960s with the legendary Joe Cuba Sextet. Right from the very beginning, Cheo proved to be a gifted artist who later on consolidated his own name with the famous Fania All Stars. Some of his hit songs include "Anacaona," "El Raton" and "Amada Mia." ​

Oscar d'Leon is Venezuela's greatest Salsa artist in history. "The Lion of Salsa," as he is often referred to, is an essential star of the groups of soneros that have shaped Salsa music. Besides having an amazing voice and a large music repertoire, Oscar D'Leon is also one of the best performers on stage especially when playing his bass. His name is a must have in any list dealing with best Salsa artists in history. ​

Not all the big soneros have been male artists. In the history of Salsa, there is a big exception to that rule. The name of that exception is not other than Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa. The legendary Cuban singer has been, in fact, one of the best soneros (soneras?) in Salsa music. Her powerful voice, charismatic style on stage and ability to improvise lyrics in the middle of a Salsa melody gave Celia Cruz the highest status that any Salsa artist can achieved. Some of the top songs by Celia Cruz include "Tu Voz," "Burundanga" and "Sopita En Botella." ​

Regarded by many as the best Salsa artist in history, Hector Lavoe revolutionized this music genre with his unique, nasal voice and the amazing ability to come up with lyrics able to fit any note. Known as "La Voz" (The Voice) or "El Cantante" (The Singer), Hector Lavoe is definitely one of the best soneros of all time. ​

This multifaceted, extraordinarily talented artist always dreamed of becoming an actor. He was ruggedly handsome with an excellent physique. But fate had something else in store for Adalberto Santiago.

From a very early age, Santiago was known for his beautiful voice. Didactic by nature, he was able to master a wide range of tones. He learned to play guitar by ear and began playing music, finding inspiration in everything around him. Eventually, he formed his first romantic trio, and the band performed at weddings and other parties. He received his first musical award on “Tribuna del Arte,” a popular television show hosted by Rabel Quiñones Vidal (pic below) that popularized many artists in Puerto Rico.

While he was working with Chuíto and Barretto, Santiago collaborated with other groups on various albums, including several on the Fania Records label: “Adalberto Santiago,” “Calidad,” “Feliz me siento,” and “Popeye el marino.” These albums boasted several smash hits, including “Llévale a Mi Amor,” “Tirita,” “Sácale Punta,” “Debut y Despedida,” and “Píntame.”

Adalberto Santiago has had one of the most prominent careers in the music industry; and although the acting world missed out on a true talent, the music world gained a phenomenal artist who occupies a seat of honor among the greatest musicians of all time.

​One of my top 10 soneros!