180g Vinyl LP Reissue Newly Remastered with Lacquers Cut from the Original Master Tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio 

Craft Recordings celebrates the enduring legacy of singer and salsa icon Héctor Lavoe with a special reissue of his 1975 solo debut, La Voz. The Gold-certified album, which features Lavoe's signature hit "Mi Gente" (plus such highlights as "El Todopoderoso," "Rompe Saraguey" and "Paraiso de Dulzura") is the release that launched a vibrant new chapter in the storied career of "El Cantante." The 180g vinyl LP reissue boasts AAA remastering, with lacquers cut from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio.

Perhaps the greatest interpreter of salsa music, Lavoe was instrumental in popularizing the genre during the '60s, '70s and '80s. Known for his impeccably bright vocals, seamless phrasing and ad-libbed anecdotes, it's no surprise that Lavoe earned the nickname "El Cantante" after his 1978 hit of the same name (penned for him by the great Rubén Blades). Born Héctor Juan Pérez Martínez in Ponce, Puerto Rico, the singer relocated to New York City at 17, where he picked up his stage name and began performing in bands led by Roberto García, Kako and Fania Records owner Johnny Pacheco. It was through Pacheco that Lavoe met 16-year-old Willie Colón, with whom he would form one of Latin music's most celebrated partnerships. Beginning in 1967, Lavoe appeared as a vocalist on 10 legendary studio albums with the Willie Colón Orchestra, including the boogaloo classic El Malo (1967), plus best-sellers like Cosa Nuestra (1970), Asalto Navideño (1971) and Lo Mato (1973).

By the mid-'70s, however, Colón had shifted his focus to production, giving Lavoe an opportunity to break out on his own. Salsa was reaching its peak popularity in the US, making it the perfect moment for the singer to carve out a spot as one of the genre's biggest stars. Reuniting with members of Colón's orchestra, Lavoe assembled a band of his own and enlisted his longtime collaborator to serve as producer and arranger on his debut. As a testament to the singer's talents, the album was simply titled La Voz. Among the standout tracks is the Lavoe-penned "Paraíso de Dulzura," as well as his collaboration with Colón, "El Todopoderoso," which became an international hit. Lavoe also offered a modern take on Félix Chappottín's "Rompe Saragüey," featuring a dazzling piano solo by Mark "Markolino" Dimond. Perhaps the most famous track on the album, however, is its closer, "Mi Gente." Written by Pacheco, the joyful Latino pride anthem would become one of Lavoe's signature hits. Younger generations of listeners might also recognize the song for its use in the 2006 video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

Upon its release, La Voz was welcomed warmly by fans and critics alike – achieving a Gold Record certification from the RIAA and earning Lavoe awards for "Best Male Vocalist" and "Best Conjunto" from Latin New York magazine. Among more recent reflections on the album, All Music praised, "Lavoe sets himself far apart from all contemporaries by virtue of his angelic timbre... The experience created by La Voz is a warmth and refinement only achievable by the combination of two factors. The Fania label in its prime, and perhaps New York salsa's most distinctive voice to date."