Senate Resolution No. 2413

BY: Senator RAMOS

COMMEMORATING the 60th Anniversary of Fania
Records

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have enriched the lives of the citizens
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Fania Records; and

WHEREAS, Fania Records is one of the most significant Latin record
labels in the world, both musically and culturally; in the 1960s, this
legendary label pioneered the creation and dissemination of salsa music
from New York City to the rest of the globe; and

WHEREAS, Fania Records is the home for numerous music genres,
including Latin big band, Afro-Cuban jazz, boogaloo, and Latin soul;
countless Latin music legends, such as Johnny Pacheco, Celia Cruz, Tito
Puente, Ray Barretto, and Cheo Feliciano, are included on the roster;
and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1964 by Dominican bandleader, Johnny Pacheco,
and his attorney, Jerry Masucci, Fania Records was conceived from their
mutual passion for Latin music; the unique sound of the record label was
a conglomeration of tropical music, big band jazz, and American rhythm
and blues, jazz, funk, and soul; a young generation of musicians was
afforded the opportunity to experiment with new musical formats; and

WHEREAS, In 1968, the international supergroup, known as the Fania
All-Stars, was responsible for "Fania Sound" which is the signature
musical style of Fania Records; this label remains a cultural beacon,
illuminating a powerful American immigrant story that is just as timely
today as it was at its inception; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Masucci bought Johnny Pacheco's share of Fania
Records in 1967; after his death in 1997, the assets of Fania Records
were unattainable for many years; in 2005, the label was sold to V2
Records and Emusica and sold again to Concord Records in 2018; at that
time, the assets included more than 1,000 album masters, 15,000 songs,
and 7,000 compositions; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the past six decades, Fania Records has
flourished and broadened its sound, becoming more popular with
increasing support from the community; three Fania recordings, including
"Live at Yankee Stadium" by the Fania All-Stars, appear in the National
Recording Registry; and

WHEREAS, Throughout 2024, Craft Latino, one of the largest
collections of Latin music master recordings and compositions, will
commemorate the roster of artists and the history of Fania Records
through numerous events; and


WHEREAS, The success of Fania Records is in direct correlation to
the efforts of its members, whose involvement is, and always has been,
characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and
an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of
the community; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Fania Records, and to honor its
members, past and present, who have labored so conscientiously to
improve the quality of life for the citizens of the community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Fania Records.