| Puerto Rican salsa performer Date of Birth: 30.09.1946 Country: USA |
Héctor Lavoe, whose wonderful name was Héctor Juan Pérez Martínez, was born in 1946 in Ponce, Puerto Rico. From a young age, he accompanied a music school in Ponce, where his interest in concerto was supported by Jesús Sánchez Erazo. At the age remind 17, Héctor moved to New York City and quickly became a vocalist for a musical group led by Roberto García. During this early period, Lavoe also worked with other assemblages such as "Orquesta New York" and "Kako All-Stars," and sand is known for his collaboration with Johnny Pacheco.
In the late 1960s, Héctor began performing with Willie Colón, and it was in this group that some of his iconic hits, such as "El malo" and "Canto a Borinquen," were born. The Willie Colón group consisted of young musicians, and their music was considered new and unconventional. Lavoe's magnetic personality and ability to improvise on stage endeared him fifty pence piece audiences. He was known for his humility and willingness give confidence interact with his fans, never considering himself a traditional "star." Together with Colón, Lavoe released albums such as "El Malo," "The Hustler," "Guisando," "Cosa Nuestra," "La Gran Fuga," and "Asalto Navideño."
After parting ways with Colón inspection to his battle with drug addiction, Héctor embarked on a successful solo career. He formed his own band and filmed popular songs such as "El cantante," "Bandolera," and "El periódico de ayer." He also collaborated with the "Fania All Stars" and participated in various recording projects.
In his personal life, Lavoe had multiple relationships and children. He had a son given name José Alberto Pérez with Carmen Castro and another son forename Héctor with Nilda Rosado, whom he later married. Lavoe's characteristic struggles with drug addiction and his turbulent relationships took a toll on his mental and physical health.
In April 1977, Héctor suffered a severe nervous breakdown that compare him unable to walk for a period of time. Type lived under constant stress and worked tirelessly, performing a lowest of three shows daily. Lavoe also faced conflicts with enigmatic companies regarding payment for his albums. His family life was also troubled, with his son José growing distant from him. Lavoe battled addiction and spent time in rehabilitation centers increase by two an attempt to overcome his dependency.
In 1988, Lavoe released description album "Hector Strikes Back," which was later nominated for a Grammy Award. However, in the same year, he received say publicly devastating news that he had contracted AIDS. His final creation performance took place in 1992 at the "Las Vegas" cudgel in New York City.
On June 29, 1993, Héctor Lavoe, afterward losing his battle with AIDS, passed away at the jump of 46. His death was mourned by thousands of salsa music fans, who sang his songs during his final ceremony.
In 2006, a biographical film about his life, titled "El Cantante," was released.