Salsa Hits of the 1960s

As we gear up for LatinoLife in the Park 2025 where we'll be celebrating one of Latin music's greatest contributions to the world, we bring you the story of Salsa through the years in our special ‘Salsa is Back’ series. The Latin music timeline has a similar trajectory to that of black music in the US. Both were disparaged by the white-owned media and industry, ignored by mainstream radio stations and labels, until the music itself began to seep through the cracks of the gatekeepers, ending in the unstoppable tidlewave that Latin Music is today. But we start at the very beginning, with the próceres and pioneers, Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban immigrants who gathered in the makeshift studios of New York, to make the music they loved. This music would soon be branded and marketed as 'salsa', but at the time it was a cathartic immigrant experience, an expression of identity and belonging in a foreign land. Welcome to our selection of salsa Hits of the 1960s, when the term salsa was only just being coined

by Jose Luis Seijas

Margie Ray Barreto (1966)

Before the Fania label was founded in 1964 , Barreto was already a top dog in New York’s Latin music scene. Margie remains one of the unofficial anthems of Cali, Colombia—a timeless classic that speaks to the global reach of salsa.

Azúcar Pa’ Ti Eddie Palmieri (1965)

This explosive descarga helped define the sound of Latin music for generations. One of Palmieri’s finest works, it's still a showstopper in his live performances.

Richie’s Jala Jala Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz (1967)
One of salsa’s most creative and innovative duos, this track showcases just how far ahead of the pack they were—fusing rhythm, melody, and madness like no one else.

La Soledad Ismael Rivera (1966)
After serving time in prison, Puerto Rico’s top vocalist came back stronger than ever. La Soledad became a staple in salsa clubs worldwide and proved Rivera's unmatched talent and resilience.

Acuyuye Johnny Pacheco (1962)
What Pacheco lacked in technical execution, he made up for in vision and creativity. Acuyuye stands as a joyful and enduring classic that defined his pioneering spirit.

Busca Lo Tuyo Eddie Palmieri & Cheo Feliciano (1968)
When Palmieri's genius met the golden voice of Cheo Feliciano, the result was magic. This pre-“salsa” gem is a masterclass in musical chemistry and raw energy.

El Swing El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico (1965)
From Puerto Rico’s most iconic salsa band, El Swing is a high-energy original that has been re-recorded, but never bettered. The original still hits hardest.

Che Che Colé – Willie Colón & Héctor Lavoe (1969)
An early hit for a young Lavoe and Colón, Che Che Colé opened the doors to stardom. It remains one of the most beloved tracks in their legendary repertoire.

El Pito (I’ll Never Go Back to Georgia)– Joe Cuba Sextet 1965
Only Joe Cuba could turn a racially charged phrase into a dancefloor anthem. El Pito launched him into crossover stardom and set the stage for Cheo Feliciano’s rise to icon status.

I Like It Like That Pete Rodríguez (1967)
The King of Boogaloo’s biggest hit. Released as the title track of his groundbreaking album, it became one of the most successful Latin songs in U.S. history—covered and sampled by everyone from Pharrell Williams to Cardi B.

Enjoy all the great salsa hits at a special 'Salsa is Back' edition of LatinoLife in the Park - the UK's largest music festival - on Sunday 20 July in Walpole Park, London W5. Main stage headliners include TROMBORANGA, RENE ALVAREZ' TRIBUTE TO HECTOR LAVOE, celebrating the music of La Voz (The Voice). A a NYC Salsa 'Immersive Experience' promising to transport festival goers to New York's Golden Era of salsa. Tickets here