Salsa Songs from the New York Era of the 60s and 70s

Back in the 1960s and 1970s, New York City emerged as the unquestioned capital of salsa music and Latin dancing. The great bands of that era gave us some of the most memorable salsa songs of all time and they are still heard and played to this very day. Some of the greatest music ever recorded came out of Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Manhattan and featured the greatest musicians of our generation.

One of the greatest all time salsa song writers of that fantastic age were Willie Colon. Willie Colon was a trombone player and he really invented modern day salsa as we know and love it today. Collaborating with arguably the greatest salsa singer of the day, Hector LaVoe, Colon was one of the first artists to record on the Fania record label which was started by entrepreneur and Latin music lover Jerry Masucci. Masucci and Colon single handedly started a musical revolution with albums such as “Crime Pays” and “Lo Mato”. These landmark albums featured such memorable salsa songs as “Senora Lola”, “Che Che Cole” and “Aguanile”. The feature film “El Cantante” which was released in 2007 was the life story of Hector LaVoe and starred salsa singer Marc Antony as the drug addicted LaVoe and Jennifer Lopez as his wife. The movie was a huge hit internationally and brought a lot of attention to the genre.

Most movie goers know Ruben Blades as the great Hollywood character actor but few know that he was also one of the greatest salsa song writers and singers of all time. Ruben made his debut singing lead for conga player and band leader Ray Barretto and later graduated to become the front man for Willie Colon after Hector LaVoe went solo. Panamanian Ruben Blades wrote some of the great salsa songs ever written including “Juan Pachanga”, “Pedro Navaja”, and “Pablo Pueblo”. He also actually wrote the salsa song “El Cantante” for Hector LaVoe. Blades were also featured in the Fania All-Stars which included all the greatest salsa musicians of the day and which performed all over the world to gigantic stadium crowds.

Some of the other great salsa song writers and salsa musicians of the era were Larry Harlow (“La Cartera”), Roberto Roena (“Cui Cui”), Ismael Rivera, Kako, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, Cachao, Ismael Miranda, Cheo Feliciano, and many others. Some of the great bands of the day were Tipica ’73, Roberto Roena and the Apollo Sound, Tipica Novel, Charanga ’76 and Saoco led by the great Henry Fiol.

Salsa music was performed at many venues around New York including the Village Gate in Soho and the Cheetah. Madison Square Garden was the site of several filmed and sold out shows by the Fania All Stars. Great artists such as Willie Colon and Eddie Palmieri took their shows on the road to places such as the Fillmore West and the Hilton ballroom in San Francisco. Many of these bands played outdoors at the annual summer festival at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley.

Salsa songs were never as good or as popular as during that time in history with the exception of Cuban music from the 80s and 90s. Salsa dancers all over the world dance to these swinging salsa songs to this day. Long live Latin music!

How to promote your music?

Search Amazon.com for musicSearch Amazon.com for music

Years ago it seemed that the only way to make it big in the music world was by being signed by a major record label. Of course no one is disputing that this approach can indeed launch a successful singing career but it’s no longer the only way to make it big as a musician. If you are a budding singer, songwriter or musician there is a lot you can do to ensure your future success. If you want to know how to promote your music so that you get the most exposure possible, look to the Internet.

Anyone who has a profile on one of the social networking sites, like MySpace or Facebook is likely already aware of the fact that there are some fantastic musicians hanging out on there. MySpace is really the place you need to be if you want to know how to promote your music online. You can create a full profile, upload your music and start inviting friends. One quick glance at some of the musician profiles on MySpace reveals thousands of friends. Many of these people are listening to this music and in some cases people who started their recording careers on MySpace are being offered recording deals.

Having your own website is also one of the best ways to get your music heard. By setting up a website you are going to have the ability to showcase your work. You can add musician or band profiles, clips of music and even a music video if you’ve had the benefit of making one. You can hire a web designer to create a site that reflects the feel of your music. When you are thinking about how to promote your music online, don’t forget this important step.

No one will come to your website though if you just set it up and leave it there. You need to get the traffic to the site so people will sit up and take notice of how great your band is. This can be accomplished in several ways including posting on music related forums, linking to other music sites and submitting the site to search engines. If you are more concerned with writing and recording music than worrying about the website, hire someone to do it for you. The minimal investment you’ll make will be well worth the additional traffic to your website and resulting interest in your music.

The Internet really does offer unlimited possibilities for people who want to have their songs heard. You just need to think about how to promote your music online so that the people who will potentially enjoy it will actually get a chance to hear it.

Download Free Music Legally

Now that practically everyone has a portable MP3 player of some sort, the market for audio CDs has shrunk considerably while the market for individual song downloads has vastly expanded. It's just so much more convenient to be able to get online, find the song you want, and grab it for $.99. But even this model, which was made popular by the Apple iTunes store, can get expensive after a while -- especially when you consider how some folks have literally thousands of songs on their iPods. That's why it's nice to be able to download free music when you're fresh out of cash.

Of course there are some people out there who think those of us who download free music must be doing so illegally. After all, there's seemingly always a story in the news about the RIAA going after an individual in the courts for copyright infringement. Yes, this kind of piracy is a real concern for the industry, but there are actually several ways to download free music legally.

For example, one way to download free music is to keep an eye out for special promotions from your favorite bands. Quite often well-known artists such as U2, Coldplay, Eminem, Kings of Leon, and others offer complimentary downloads of a single from an upcoming album release. These promotions are usually for a limited time only, but can be a great way to get some tunes from major acts without having to pay a dime. Visiting your favorite artist's website or signing up for a fan newsletter will keep you updated about future giveaways.

Another great way to download free music is by checking out some lesser-known bands that are trying to catch their first big break. Most of these smaller acts use MySpace or similar social networking websites to promote their songs and get their name out there in an effort to attract the attention of a major label. You can often find some amazing new tunes this way, and might even "discover" that next hot band before they enter the mainstream. It does take some time to sift through all the stuff on MySpace, but there are other sites that offer specific recommendations to guide you.

And finally, you can always go for public domain pieces that are no longer copyrighted. This usually means classical works from composers like Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Mendelssohn, and Vivaldi. Though these minuets and concertos might not be your usual taste, it's nice to add some variety to your MP3 play list!

As you can see, just because you download free music that doesn't mean you'll set off alarm bells, receive threatening letters from your ISP, or face lawsuits from the RIAA. There are a number of ways to do this legally, so go get some new songs right now!

10 of the Top 50 Rock Songs of All Time

Hot Rocks 1964-1971(DSD Remastered)

Everyone has a valid opinion on this subject and very few people if asked will refrain from responding. Rock music has so permeated the fabric of our beings that they become impossible to separate from our experience. Why a person would pick one song over another of the top 50 rock songs of all time is purely dependent on where they were and what they were doing when they first heard that song. Our nostalgia for past events in our life is inextricably intertwined with the songs that make up our life’s soundtrack.

I hereby propose the following list (unapologetically) of my very own for the 10 best of the top 50 rock songs of all time.

10. American Pie by Don McLean. Released in 1971 this is another one of the top 50 rock songs that everybody was singing when it first came out. This was one of the first times in history when over-saturation because of excessive radio play could not make you hate a song. To this day this is one of the most requested and played songs on classic rock radio formats.

9. Layla by Derek and the Dominoes from 1970. We just had never heard something as majestic as the multi-layered Layla when it first hit AM radio. Clapton proved he was the best guitar gunslinger in the world with the soaring sounds of this fantastic song.

8. Maggie May by Rod Stewart was a bittersweet melody that we all remember as being integrally mixed in with where we were when we first heard it. Whether it was at a high school dance with your first sweetheart or taking your first road trip with your pals, this song is similar to many others in the top 50 rock songs of all time in that it is unforgettable.

7. Proud Mary by Credence Clearwater Revival. Recorded in 1969 by John Fogerty and company, this song transcended rock and roll and became a symbol of our country’s music around the world.

6. Magic Carpet Ride by Steppenwolf from 1968 ushered in an era of black lights and glow in the dark posters. This Fillmore West favorite band also hit the jackpot with Born to be Wild off the same album.

5. Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin. Drinking Wild Turkey straight from the bottle and doing massive amounts of drugs eventually led to Janis’ demise, but this southern style rocker is still one of the most challenging female vocal tunes ever to be recorded.

4. Baba O’Riley by the Who. “It’s only teenage wasteland” screams Roger Daltrey in this hard driving rock classic, easily one of the top 50 rock songs of our lifetime.

3. Honky Tonk Woman by the Rolling Stones. Written by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger purportedly while they were on vacation in Brazil, this song still makes people dance from the opening cowbell licks to the signature guitar riffs.

2. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin by 1971. “No Playing Stairway to Heaven” was the sign at the Guitar Center in the movie Wayne’s World, but seriously, this song became the ultimate rock anthem. This song invented swaying crowds holding up lighters.

1. Hey Jude by the Beatles recorded in 1968 and released as a single on their Apple label. This is by far the greatest song ever recorded by the greatest band ever assembled (yes, even Ringo).

Latin Dancing in Los Angeles

Latin Dancing for Beginners


Mambo music made a big comeback in 1997 with the release of Ry Cooder’s masterpiece, “The Buena Vista Social Club” movie and music CD. Cooder went to forbidden Havana, Cuba to film his moving documentary on the lives of these past greats of Cuban Son music, now known around the world as Salsa.

After the big success of Buena Vista Social Club, latin dancing became all the rage once again in clubs and dance halls around the world. On the west coast of the United States, in the heart of Los Angeles, a club called “The Conga Room” was enjoying a level of success that had not been seen since the days of the Tropicana or the Village Gate. Salsa dancers and celebrities of all kinds lined up around the block to see the great musical acts that were imported from Cuba.

The Conga Room, owned by actors Jimmy Smits and Jennifer Lopez, became an instant smash sensation when they began to bring over many of Cuba’s biggest musical stars. On any weekend night you could stand next to celebrities like Wesley Snipes, Andy Dick, or Leah Remeni, among others. They would all come to kick up their heels with the hottest latin dancing this side of Puerto Rico.

Bands such as the all female group Bamboleo featuring their alluring singer Vania were the toast of the town. Everyone wanted to meet them and get to know them and what it was like living in Cuba. Everybody got up to dance when this group got warmed up.

Another great Cuban group to grace the stage at the Conga Room was Los Van Van. They practically invented the style of salsa music called Songo and a latin dancing craze ensued that flourishes to this day.

Other great groups to come over included Arte Mixto, Maraca, Manolin, and Adalberto Alvarez y Su Son. From Thursday to Sunday the place was jam packed with latin dancing couples who tore up the dance floor. Celebrities would sit at their private tables and were there to be seen.

After the club would shut down at two in the morning, many revelers would head over to open all night Canter’s on Fairfax. Canter’s is a great Hollywood tradition and features Jewish favorites such as Matzo soup and Kerplatz, along with the world’s best corned beef sandwich. This was definitely the place to go for star watching and everyone would show up sooner or later including Leo, Brad, and Angelina. After a night of latin dancing, you needed the homemade grub at Canter’s or a hot dog from Pink’s to get you safely home.

After 9-11 it became increasingly difficult and nearly impossible for Cuban musicians to get the necessary travel visas and documents from the State department so although the Conga Room continues to this day, its allure as a top nightspot diminished substantially. Many nightlife enthusiasts in L.A. still remember the club fondly and hope to see it re-emerge as The Place to Go in Los Angeles for latin dancing.

Christian music - Very Best of Praise & Worship

Very Best of Praise & Worship

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A lot of the time, people get caught up with one type of Christian song or another. Maybe it is the gospel music you grew up in, the Christian rock you got into in your teens, or the Christian contemporary that your mom likes to listen to in the car on the way to school. Whatever it is, people can be pretty particular about their Christian music. In some churches, rock 'n roll is right out all together. Other religious organizations shun traditional music, trying to keep a more upbeat and contemporary feel. In my opinion, all of these approaches are wrongheaded. The whole point is to share music with other believers – music that expresses your values. Whether or not you like a particular kind of Christian song, it is still important to realize that it is coming from the right place.

Of course, not all Christian music makes good church music. A lot of the time, tradition is where it is at, as far as church singing goes. After all, there is nothing that beats a resounding chorus of voices signing up to the heavens in choruses of hallelujah. Nonetheless, I have seen some Christian churches that use contemporary music to good effect. A lot of the time, youth services work this way. After all, the best way to reach out to kids is through their music. There is nothing inherently wrong with rock 'n roll, or even rap if it suits the tastes of the younger generation. It is all about reaching out to people to gain new believers.

Music can make great Christian gifts, especially around the holidays. What better way to celebrate Christmas, for example, then with the gift of Christian music? Of course, you should probably not give out Christmas music as a Christmas gift. After all, by the time that they get it, it will be too late to make use of it until the next year.

Christian music can also be great for bringing a family closer together. The most important thing to remember is that the church starts with the family. Finding good music that everyone can sing along to is crucial to bringing a community of believers together. It will also help you bond with your kids. After all, almost all children love to sing, and it is the entire better if they can get their parents to join along. Remember to have fun with it!

Jerry Lee Lewis: Greatest Live Performances of the 50s, 60s and 70s

Jerry Lee Lewis: Greatest Live Performances of the 50s, 60s and 70s

The Greatest American Rock Bands of All Time

Most of the greatest American rock bands of all time were to be found in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, though that may be too limiting for a complete listing. Great American rock music began in the 50s with Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, and Chuck Berry. Rockers like Richie Valens and Jerry Lee Lewis grew from the ripe musical spawning ground of southern blues music. Great blues artists such as Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf are many times mentioned by these rock artists as their heroes and an inspiration to them for starting their careers.


When the 60s began, Elvis ruled the airwaves until the Beatles arrived from England and took the U.S. by storm. Although the media dubbed it the “British Invasion” there were still plenty of great American rock artists at the same time such as the Beach Boys, the Animals, Buffalo Springfield, and many others.

The late 60s brought us such great American rock stars as Janis Joplin, Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Canned Heat, Mountain, Jim Morrison and the Doors, and many others.

There were always great concerts to go to, especially in the big cities and on both coasts. San Francisco had the Fillmore West with the world’s greatest rock promoter Bill Graham, who eventually brought over all the greatest rock bands not only from the U.S. but from all over the world. Los Angeles had smaller venues such as the Whiskey-a-Go-Go where bands like the Doors got their start.

Later on other fantastic American rock acts such as Lynrd Skynrd, The Eagles, America, the Allman Brothers, and the Doobie Brothers would come on the scene and shake up the world with their string of hit songs.

In the 90s came the rise of bands like the Black Crowes, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, the Beastie Boys, R.E.M. and many others. The late 90s brought us the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Today’s music scene features many up and coming and fully established American rock bands such as Kings of Leon, Interpol, Pearl Jam (still rocking), Green Day, Counting Crows, and Weezer. Also mixing it up are the Silversun Pickups, the Brian Jonestown Massacre, the Dandy Warhols, Spoon, and the Foo Fighters featuring Dave Grohl formerly of Nirvana fame.

Many years ago the Los Angeles Times announced boldly that “Rock Is Dead” but it is still going strong. As long as there are rebellious American teenagers willing to steal daddy’s car and go for a joyride there will be American rock bands. Americans love their rock music like they love their football or their Harley Davidsons. Just go to any local bar or nightclub on any given weekend and you will see that American rock bands are alive and well and rocking the house from sea to shining sea.