North America

Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, veteran songwriter, and singer Johnny Vega grew up surrounded by music and relatives with the same natural talent he discovered in himself at an early age.

It wasn’t long before his obvious gift of writing accompanied by strong vocals was in demand.

Many salsa greats highlighted Johnny Vega, as a songwriter and vocalist at an early age New York was the vanguard of his success.

Relocating as a teenager, with his family, he mastered his craft in both Spanish and English being one of the first Puerto Rican musicians to compose and sing a bilingual hit, singing with Cortijo for the legendary band “Cortijo y su Combo” in the early 70s.

His musical career as described here gave him the notoriety that follows today, currently involved in multiple projects, Johnny continues to write and often performs at sold-out venues in his hometown.

Johnny Vega has participated with a myriad of orchestras to name a few:

Trio Las 3 Voces

Jóvenes Del Ritmo

Gil Suarez Y Su Orquesta Latin Highs

Sonora Casino

Cortijo Y Su Combo

Kako And His Trabuco

Conjunto Los Imposibles

Orquesta Sabor

Conjunto Antonetti

Orquesta La Muralla

Conjunto La Villa Arecibo

Paquito Guzman Y Su Orquesta

Conjunto Santurce

Los 7 Gatos

Renovación 90

Hermanos Gonzalez (Help Yourselves 2015)

Noel Quintana & Latin Crew Popeye Y La Flaca 2016

Soloist Tribute To Celia

Some of his compositions:

Popeye – Ay Caray – Adalberto Santiago

Pancuco – Frankie Ruiz

Tú y tu novela – Pasado, presenté y futuro – Mike Cora

Avísale – Clown – incredulous – La Muralla

I’m dying inside – Rafi Marrero

Volver- Tito Rodriguez Jr. Singing Gilberto Santa Rosa

My Salsa is my Cura- Josean Rivera

Hermano Cortijo- Josean Rivera

Sueño de un Borincano- Willie Morales “El Piloto de la Salsa”.

Que le Pasa al Cielo- Chevy El Pitirre de la Salsa

Aquí Mando Yo- Chevy El Pitirre de la Salsa

From that moment on Johnny began to write and share his compositions with local bands so that they could establish their own musical identity.

From that era of inspiration, Johnny gave the maestro Tommy Olivencia the song “Pancuco”, especially for Frankie Ruiz.

Also “Ay Caray” & “Popeye el Marino” for Adalberto Santiago. Many of the musicians who grew up under the supervision of maestro Johnny Vega initially, went on to form part of the orchestras of Celia Cruz, Sonora Ponceña, Héctor Lavoe and many other high caliber bands.

In Rochester, Johnny sang with Orquesta Sabor, Antonetti, and Mike Rosario’s Muralla with whom he formed a solid partnership which included great productions, one of them being “Avísale” a collector’s item for which royalties are still being paid three decades later.

Songs by Johnny Vega-

Father and Son

Compañera Mía

Tribute To Celia

Listen To My Message

Born To Sing

Johnny Vega lives in Rochester NY with his wife of 56 years, 5 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He continues to leave his great musical legacy.

Contact:

Facebook: Johnny Vega

https://www.facebook.com/johnny.vega.7503

Instagram: @vjohnny220

https://instagram.com/vjohnny220?utm_medium=copy_link

If you require Vega’s pen write to email.

[email protected]

Por: Erika Muñoz 

La Mulata Rumbera

“Se Armó la Rumba en México”

Corresponsal de International Salsa Magazine

Article of Interest: Willie Morales The Salsa Pilot Taking off with force… New, Tasty and Danceable Salsa!

 

From Santiago de Chile to the world

International Salsa Magazine / www.SalsaGoogle.com and its leading correspondent in Miami, Diana Marie, awarded “La Dama de la Salsa 2021” by Richard Roman’s Salsa Superior, are privileged to present one of the most important bastions of our Latin music Cristian Cuevas.

It all began when his father brought home a keyboard one afternoon. Cristian Cuevas, born in Santiago, Chile, began playing the piano at the age of 6.

It was immediately evident that he had a gift and by the age of 8 he was playing with local bands and artists. playing with local bands and artists, all over Chile. When Cristian was 9 years old, his talent caught the attention of Chilean media, and he became a constant musical guest on “Buenos Dias a Todos”, the best late-night show in Chile at the time.

due to the success and exposure gained while working on “Buenos Dias a Todos”, Cristian was contacted by the producers of Univision where he was asked to fly to Chile to work on the show here he was asked to fly to Miami FL, and perform on the TV show “Sábado Gigante”.

After performing on the show, Cristian was offered a permanent spot on Sábado Gigante’s children’s segment and Cristian at age 11 moved with his family to Miami where he began his musical career.

By the time Cristian was 17, he was teaching as an instructor for local middle schools and high schools in Miami such as Miami Killian High, Felix Varela High, and Glades Middle School.

When he was 18, Cristian began to gain recognition among the Miami music scene and quickly began his first tour with Sonora Carruseles and other artists in the Miami salsa scene.

Today, Cristian Cuevas is one of the toughest working musicians in South Florida, he is also working as a musical director and composer for television shows on various networks such as Telemundo/NBC and Mega TV, and whether he is performing at sold-out venues around the world, playing on national television for millions of viewers, or recording from his home studio.

At 30 years old, Cristian Cuevas continues to write his musical journey while currently working as a producer and arranging his own upcoming album where he is featured singing and playing the piano.

Work History: Cristian has performed and toured the world with world-renowned award-winning artists in the Latin music industry such as: Jon Secada, Julio Iglesias Jr, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Oscar D’ Leon, Elvis Crespo, Charlie Zaa, Tito Nieves, La India, Luis Enrique, Sheila E., among others.

While on tour Cristian has also shared the stage with names such as: UB40, Kool & The Gang, Judith Hill, Willie Colon, José Feliciano, Rubén Blades, Gloria Trevi, among others.

Contact

Cristian Cuevas Productions

Miami FL

[email protected]

Tel: 786-768-9422

Facebook: Cristian Cuevas

Source: www.CristianCuevasMusic.com

By: Diana Marie Miami Correspondent for International Salsa Magazine

Supporting Emerging National and International Talent

Article of Interest: Fabián Rosales Araos Chilean singer-songwriter, a native of the city of Valparaíso

Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery y música latina

La Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery es uno de esos lugares que todo amante de la salsa en Nueva York debería visitar, ya que hay mucho que ver aquí. Este museo cuenta con todo tipo de artículos donados por numerosos artistas de renombre o familiares de algunos fallecidos. Esta colección de valiosas posesiones ha dado como resultado un conjunto de objetos invaluables que dejarán fuera del agua a cualquiera que visite las instalaciones de una institución tan especial. 

La Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery, también conocida como Spaha Salsa Gallery, se puede definir como una institución de carácter cultural cuyo propósito principal es servir como un recordatorio de lo grande que es nuestra cultura, especialmente nuestra música. Tanto los residentes como los visitantes de East Harlem, Nueva York, pueden aprender sobre el género de la salsa y sus raíces siempre que lo deseen. Todo gracias a una gran cantidad de herramientas, información y muchas iniciativas con las que los interesados ​​conocerán de primera mano todo tipo de datos interesantes sobre la salsa. 

Otro de los grandes objetivos que persigue este lugar es la búsqueda del conocimiento sobre la música latina y los artistas involucrados para ofrecerlo a todo aquel que decida visitar sus instalaciones. Es por ello que tanto su presidente Johnny Cruz como el equipo que lo asiste se han encargado de crear una galería inclusiva y diversa en la que se puede apreciar hasta dónde ha llegado el talento hispano de la mano de sus máximas estrellas.

Papel de la Galería Spaha Salsa en la difusión de la cultura latina 

The role played by the Spaha Salsa Gallery in the dissemination of Latin culture is very important, since these institutions are the ones that manage to arouse the interest of the inhabitants of Harlem and other nearby sectors towards one of the most representative musical genres of Latinity. This has made many other cultural institutions to use this gallery in order to awaken a higher interest in its own activities, which shows extensive cooperation between those who seek to promote anything Latin-related at all costs. 

Fortunately, our work is not that complicated to carry out because too many tourists visit New York every day and many of them know that this city was the birthplace of the biggest salsa movement in history, so they are always looking for cultural sports in which you can find information about this set of rhythms and how it emerges in the public arena.   

Who Johnny Cruz is 

Johnny Cruz is the founder of the Spaha Salsa Gallery, but there are many other facets by which this talented Puerto Rican is known in the entertainment industry. Cruz is a famous musician and record producer who has worked and make friends with a wide number of artists from all genres, by providing him with the platform to create a true sanctuary for Latin music lovers. 

One interesting fact about the museum is that it is located on the plot where a hardware business owned by Johnny’s father used to function, which was made into something completely different thanks to the genius of his son long after. Today, that place contains several of the most invaluable objects in the history of salsa and whose relationship with some of the greatest figures of the genre is legendary.   

Migdalia Sanchéz joins Johnny Cruz and his programme

Recently, it has been reported that Migdalia Sanchez, director of the radio station Latino 99 FM, has decided to broadcast the programme hosted by Johnny Cruz at the same time so that all its listeners can enjoy the talent of the entertainer and his exciting interviews. The Johnny Cruz Show will be broadcasted on Saturdays from 9 to 10 p.m.

Enlace al sitio web oficial de la galería Spaha Salsa: spahasalsagallery.com

Por: Johnny Cruz corresponsal de International Salsa Magazine en la ciudad de Nueva York, Nueva York

The ultimely passing of El Judio Maravilloso

On August 20 this year, salsa fans around the world received of the devastating news about the death of Larry Harlow Kahn, who was one of the most transcendental figures of the Fania All-Stars at the time and Latin music in general. There have been many artists, writers and the general public have expressed their profound regret at the departure of pianist, leaving an unforgettable legacy and a profound mark in the minds of all those who admired him throughout his career. 

According to what writer specialized in music Aurora Flores said, Harlow, also known as “El Judio Maravilloso”, marked a unique style with great ease and innovation while staying attached to his traditions. From the hand of Johnny Pacheco and Jerry Masucci, this musician became a talented producer and creator for much of the work done by orchestra La Fania, resulting an approximate of 270 recordings for other artists and a good number of hits that continue to be heard today. 

This extremely talented pianist broke down all sorts of cultural barriers during his lifetime thanks to his great talent. He reached corners he has never dreamed of and will always be remembered for his great artistic endeavors. 

Ricky Gonzalez and Angel Fernandez make donations to support the Salsa Museum 

In recent days, it became known that both Ricky Gonzalez and Angel Fernandez have met with the director of the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum, Johnny Cruz, to bring him with some highly valuable objects. Gonzalez is Marc Anthony‘s pianist and Fernandez is the musical director of his orchestra, so both musicians have much to contribute to the historic museum presided by Cruz. 

In the particular case of González, he plans to offer some jackets that were worn by the famous Puerto Rican singer, while Fernández will offer a trumpet played at one of the many concerts offered by the boricua and his team. Together with the already mentioned objects, both artists pledged to collaborate in every way necessary to continue donating valuable acquisitions to the cultural institution.  On the official Facebook account of Johnny Cruz, the president of the museum can be seen in the company of both musicians and some thanks from his part to both of them for supporting the Spaha Salsa Gallery, as this place is also known.  

Migdalia Sánchez joins the Salsa Museum 

It has been announced that Migdalia Sanchez, the head of Latino 99 FM in Florida, has agreed to join the Salsa Museum with Johnny Cruz. This means that the aforementioned station will start broadcasting the programme hosted by Johnny Cruz at the same time so that all its listeners can enjoy it without a single problem.  

Salsa returns to New York 

Following the restrictions imposed by the local authorities due to the advance of COVID-19, many clubs and nightclubs have decided to open their doors again, but meeting each and every one of the health requirements for these places can be considered safe for the clientele. 

Every day there are more well-known names that join the list of places that are working almost normally after all this time. Here we mention some of the places that have reopened their doors:  

• La Marqueta  
• S.O.B’s  
• González y González  
• El Sanjuan  
• Taino Towers Crystal Ballroom 

Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery and Latin music

The Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery is one of those places where every salsa lover in New York should visit since there is plenty to see here. This museum has all kinds of items donated by many renowned artists or relatives of some who had passed away. This collection of valuable possessions has resulted in a set of priceless objects that will bow anyone visiting the facilities of such a special institution out of water. 

The Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery, also known as Spaha Salsa Gallery, can be defined as an institution of a cultural nature whose main purpose is to serve as a reminder of how great our culture is, especially our music. Both residents and visitors of East Harlem, New York, can learn about the salsa genre and its roots as long as they desire. All thanks to a lot of tools, information and many initiatives with which those interested will know all kinds of interesting facts about salsa first hand. 

Another of the great objectives pursued by this place is the quest for knowledge about Latin music and the artists involved to offer it to anyone who decides to visit its facilities. That is why both its president Johnny Cruz and the team that helps him have been responsible for creating an inclusive and diverse gallery in which you can appreciate how far Hispanic talent has come by the hand of its top stars. 

Role of the Spaha Salsa Gallery in the dissemination of Latin culture 

The role played by the Spaha Salsa Gallery in the dissemination of Latin culture is very important, since these institutions are the ones that manage to arouse the interest of the inhabitants of Harlem and other nearby sectors towards one of the most representative musical genres of Latinity. This has made many other cultural institutions to use this gallery in order to awaken a higher interest in its own activities, which shows extensive cooperation between those who seek to promote anything Latin-related at all costs. 

Fortunately, our work is not that complicated to carry out because too many tourists visit New York every day and many of them know that this city was the birthplace of the biggest salsa movement in history, so they are always looking for cultural sports in which you can find information about this set of rhythms and how it emerges in the public arena.   

Who Johnny Cruz is 

Johnny Cruz is the founder of the Spaha Salsa Gallery, but there are many other facets by which this talented Puerto Rican is known in the entertainment industry. Cruz is a famous musician and record producer who has worked and make friends with a wide number of artists from all genres, by providing him with the platform to create a true sanctuary for Latin music lovers. 

One interesting fact about the museum is that it is located on the plot where a hardware business owned by Johnny’s father used to function, which was made into something completely different thanks to the genius of his son long after. Today, that place contains several of the most invaluable objects in the history of salsa and whose relationship with some of the greatest figures of the genre is legendary.   

Link to the official website of the Spaha Salsa gallery: spahasalsagallery.com

By: Johnny Cruz correspondent of International Salsa Magazine in New York City, New York

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