Johnny Pacheco was a Dominican-American musician and bandleader, born on March 25, 1935, in Santiago, Dominican Republic. He is best known for his significant contributions to salsa music, helping to popularize the genre in the 1960s and 1970s. Pacheco co-founded the influential record label Fania Records, which played a crucial role in the salsa movement. Throughout his career, Pacheco collaborated with many notable artists, including Celia Cruz and Willie Colón. He was a talented flutist and percussionist, known for his energetic performances and innovative arrangements. Pacheco's work has left a lasting impact on Latin music, earning him recognition as a pioneer in the salsa genre.