Juan Azarías Pacheco Knipping, better known as Johnny Pacheco, was a Dominican-American singer and musical genius. He was exceptionally influential in the Latin music industry and helped to popularize the pachanga dance on an international level. Pacheco was known for his extensive involvement in New York’s salsa scene in the 1960s and ‘70s. The superstar was nominated for a Grammy nine times throughout his life and was later acknowledged with a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Johnn... moreJuan Azarías Pacheco Knipping, better known as Johnny Pacheco, was a Dominican-American singer and musical genius. He was exceptionally influential in the Latin music industry and helped to popularize the pachanga dance on an international level. Pacheco was known for his extensive involvement in New York’s salsa scene in the 1960s and ‘70s. The superstar was nominated for a Grammy nine times throughout his life and was later acknowledged with a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Johnny inherited his musical talents from his father, Rafael Azarías Pacheco, an orchestral clarinet player. Throughout his life, he composed and recorded over 150 songs. He also co-starred alongside Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony in the 2006 biographical film, El Cantante, about late salsa singer Hector Lavoe. At 85 years-old, Pacheco passed away from pneumonia-related complications in Fort Lee, New Jersey.
