Salsa’s effect was so massive that it spawned a variety of talents – soneros and soneras, dancers, songwriters, arrangers, producers and bands. Most of the musicians became recording artists and were known worldwide. Many went on world tours as Salsa reached new followers in different countries.
Two places bred a long list of Salsa music stars – Cuba and Puerto Rico. Some of them were born in these two countries while others were already born in the United States, principally in New York where Salsa all started.
Singers
Celia Cruz
In Salsa’s history, the name Celia Cruz is synonymous to a legend. She was called the Queen of Salsa, and one of the best soneras in Salsa music.
Ismael Rivera
“El Sonero Mayor” was the moniker given to Puerto Rican singer Ismael Rivera. A few of the best songs he recorded were “Sale El Sol,”
Héctor Lavoe
One of the legends and considered the best artist in the history of Salsa, Héctor Lavoe had a nasal voice that was considered unique.
Oscar D'León
Venezuela also had a roster of talents who contributed a fair bit to Salsa music. Oscar D’León was known for his wide range of repertoire,
Cheo Feliciano
“Amada Mia,” “El Raton” and “Anacaona” were just some of the hit songs of Puerto Rican Salsa singer Cheo Feliciano, who was known for
Rubén Blades
Rubén Blades stood out for providing meaningful lyrics to many songs, such as “Te Estan Buscando,” “Plastico” and “Decisiones.” Blades, who came
Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez
Pete Rodriguez, who’s popularly known as “El Conde” has a powerful voice that suits the tender Bolero and the jam session style of Descarga.
Johnny Pacheco
The co-founder of Fania Records, Johnny Pacheco, hails from the Dominican Republic. He made the trip to New York late in the 1940s.
Fania All-Stars
The legendary Fania All Stars became Fania Records’ iconic representative. The group was responsible for popularizing Salsa music
Adalberto Santiago
Puerto Rican Salsa singer Adalberto Santiago is internationally known and noted for his relaxed and flawless singing voice
Benny Moré
When it comes to Cuban artists, Benny Moré’s name was a heavyweight. He was one of the most important singers from Cuba
La India
If Celia Cruz was the Queen of Salsa, La India, whose real name was Linda Viera Caballero, was the Princess of Salsa.
Tito Puente
One of the most loved proponents of Latin jazz was Tito Puente, the son of Puerto Rican parents who lived in the Spanish Harlem
Willie Colón
The Boston Globe described the music of Willie Colón and bandleader Eddie Palmieri as ”the sound of Salsa.” He helped shape the
Marc Anthony
Marc Anthony is a singer, songwriter, and actor of Puerto Rican descent who has made his mark through his Latin and salsa-inspired music.
Notable Salsa singers and artists
Salsa dance and music were so contagious and influential since their early days, and continue to encourage so many singers, songwriters, arrangers and artists. With the great demand for Salsa music, it’s no wonder that soloists, duets, trios, bands and orchestras continue to form and provide excitement and enjoyment to Salsa enthusiasts from all over the globe. All of them are worth mentioning, for their influence and contribution to the continuous evolvement and patronage of this music genre. Most of them are from the United States, Cuba, Peru, Puerto Rico and other Latin American countries. This is not exhaustive but these are some of the most prominent exponents of Salsa music through the ages. Most of them still continue to give awesome shows, do recordings and world tours. Here they are: