It goes by many names. Some called it the “1st Latin Soulrock Fiesta!” Others called it the “1st Fania All Stars 2nd Anniversary Concert” as that’s what it was spelled out in the ticket releases. Will Hermes appropriately also titled it “1st Latin Soulrock Jazz Fusion African Proto-Disco Fiesta!”

Regardless, the hardcore Chicanx and Afrocentric audiences of the time knew this phenomenon as the largest, well known Latin Soulrock festival performed in Yankee Stadium, New York City, 1973.

The movers and shakers of the diverse Black and Brown music liberation movement can be associated with the label record, Fania. Fania record company housed the greats: Ray Barreto, a Puerto Rican percussionist who was active in the salsa scene with his Afro-Cuban boogaloo beats. Willie Colón, who’s upbringing in the Bronx contributed to the salsa movement (which is such a surprise that today Colón gives praises to the likes of Trump and Bloomberg in spite of his progressive past). Larry Harlow, the composer of the Latin rock opera “Hommy: A Latin Opera” that featured Celia Cruz. And, the queen herself, Celia Cruz.

All of these musicians were apart of the Fania record label! And therefore all of them performed in the largest Latin  performance that Friday, August 24th, 1973.

Even more multicultural performers such as Mongo Sanatamaría, Billy Cobham, Héctor Lavoe, and so many others could never imagine that their “barrio” Bronx music could make it big in an iconic stadium. It was, in a sense, their own ancestors wildest dreams that came to life in the stadium that once tried to destroy and push out Black and Brown baseball players. Such as the Afro-Latino baseball star, Roberto Clemente for his skin and heritage.

“To witness such a bicultural celebration in the baseball stadium just eight months later made the evening even more profound”.