Hector Lavoe was a Puerto Rican salsa singer, born on September 30, 1946, in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He is often regarded as one of the most influential figures in the salsa music genre. Lavoe's powerful voice and emotive performances helped popularize salsa music in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly through his collaborations with the Fania All-Stars. Throughout his career, Lavoe faced personal struggles, including battles with addiction and the loss of loved ones. Despite these challenges, he left a lasting legacy with hits like "Periódico de Ayer" and "El Cantante," which continue to resonate with fans of Latin music today.