Representative Adriano Espaillat released the following statement in support of his resolution, introduced today, honoring the life, legacy, and significant contributions of Latin music pioneer, Johnny Pacheco.
“Maestro Johnny Pacheco was a true legend of music, one of the fathers of salsa, and founder of the famous band Fania All-Star, which was a platform of some of the greatest salsa figures like Celia Cruz. Rubén Blades, Héctor Lavoe, Eddie Palmieri and Willie Colón got their start. Maestro Pacheco undoubtedly changed the sound of music and the universal acceptance of Latin music and its impact around the world,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Maestro Pacheco was a pioneer and a trailblazer, unmatched in his talent to create music highlighting the rich tapestry of our culture.
“Maestro Pacheco is from the Los Pepines neighborhood and I am from La Joya, two neighborhoods in Santiago, the Ciudad Corazón. As the first Dominican-American in Congress, it is my honor to introduce a resolution honoring him, the joy that fills our hearts with his music and to celebrate his life.
I extend my condolences to his family, friends, and to the Dominican people, who lost a treasure. Johnny Pacheco’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians today and he will forever be remembered as one of the most internationally renowned artists of our time.”
Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx.
First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress.
Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities.
He is also a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves as the Second Vice-Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.
To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.
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