Today in Mambo we focus on the New York bandleader Joe Bataan, also known as ‘Mister Latin-Soul’.
Joe had a turbulent childhood. He grew up in the Puerto Rican neighbourhood of East Harlem in New York City, where he led a youth gang and became involved in crime. Eventually, he ended up in prison, which proved to be a turning point: it was there that he learned to play music.
Later, Joe formed his own orchestra. His music became so popular that he was signed by the famous label Fania. Everything about Joe reflected the ghetto. He named his band Joe Bataan and the Latin Swingers from 98th to 110th Street, and he gave his most successful record the title Riot.
Alongside musicians such as Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón, Joe was actually a precursor of today’s rappers, singing in his music about the ghetto and the dangerous life there.
Playlist
1 Muňeca
Joe Bataan
2 My Cloud
Joe Bataan
3 Mambo de Bataan
Joe Bataan
4 Daddy’s Coming Home
Joe Bataan
5 Pa’ Monte
Joe Bataan
6 Bravo
Joe Bataan
7 Pepe el Toro
Joe Bataan
8 Es Tu Cosa
Mr. New York & the Eastside Kids
9 Juan Juan Lechero
Mr. New York & the Eastside Kids
10 Puerto Rico me Llama
Mr. New York & the Eastside Kids
11 Sunny Gets Blue
Joe Bataan
12 Fin
Joe Bataan
13 When You’re Down
Joe Bataan
