Our Thing: The Birth of Salsa in Nueva York
Futuro MediaIn 1964, an Italian-American ex-cop and a Dominican musician in New York City opened Fania Records, the “Motown of Salsa.” The artists from Fania toured the world, sold millions of records and changed culture forever. But Fania Records also became mired by royalty divisions, lawsuits and falling-outs. This is the story of the birth of salsa in Nueva York and the rebellious, seductive and political... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 11 | Founded | 3 months ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Music HistoryDocumentaryMusicSociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
Maria was watching the Benito Bowl when an unexpected artist came on: the one and only Ricky Martin. He sang one of Bad Bunny’s most political, anti-colonial anthems. Maria knew this was a touchstone moment — the artist who most represented the 90’s ... more
Senior Producer Jeanne Montalvo sat down to chat with Afro-Filipino singer-songwriter and New York legend Joe Bataan at the Bronx Music Heritage Center in 2024.
As you’ve heard in Our Thing: The Birth of Salsa in Nueva York, Joe is full of all kinds... more
Fania Records is changing. Co-owner Jerry Masucci wants to sell the company but his partner Johnny Pacheco refuses to sell. Tensions rise between the two, until an alleged betrayal sets them on very different paths. The end of Fania Records doesn’t s... more
New kid on the block Ruben Blades moves from Panama to New York City. He gets a job in the mail room at Fania Records, where he tries to pitch his music. Eventually, he gets executives to listen to what he has to offer and lands a collaboration with ... more
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Reviews
- Enraptured!
I absolutely loved this beautifully curated oral history!! I’m so proud to know that a Dominican helped birth a genre of music that has healed so many of us sweating on the dance floor. 🕺🏽 And to have it narrated by the ICONIC Rosie Perez?! It was amazing hearing her experiences witnessing these moments as a young person in NYC. ♥️
Apple Podcasts5RosySGalv
United States15 days ago - Words cannot express….
I am in awe. My heart is full of pride Rosie, I can’t image anyone else doing a better job of recounting this story. This is a story everyone, especially OUR PEOPLE, should hear. I never knew, being a Puerto Rican from NY was difficult on self identity, imagine Puerto Rican from Long Island. I’m bummed I didn’t grow up with that level of community, but I’m thankful that you can take me back there and I can experience it through this show. Thank you Rosie. FYI K-18, girl thank you twice
Apple Podcasts5NyriquenaUnited States20 days ago - ROSIE IS PERFECTION!
5/5 Stars — Absolute perfection!
The host, Rosie Perez, is extraordinary! Honestly, she is the ONLY person who could host this podcast—she brings pure passion, unmatched honesty, and that authentic NYC grit every single episode. It’s informative, hilarious, and completely addicting, but most of all, deeply inspiring. Listening to it reminds me of my own Latino, Puerto Rican, Nuyorican greatness!
As a massive podcast listener, I can comfortably say this is hands down the best podcast I’ve ever he... more
Apple Podcasts5MskatortizUnited States22 days ago - Fania: Our Motown records
First of all: I wouldn’t want anyone else but Rosie Perez doing this for us. Never knew Rosie to be in the salsa scene, but she did that! Gracias mamita🫡.
All the episodes are great. A lot of knowledge being imparted. From the beginnings of some of our favorite salseros to their poor and broke endings. It’s all there.
You wanna know why salsa is called salsa & why we New Yorkers take credit for it? Just listen. Fania is out Motown records. To me Ismael Rivera is Marvin Gaye, Hector Lavoe is M... more
Apple Podcasts5IvEspiUnited States25 days ago - A trip down memory lane
Fania was the soundtrack of my high school years though I think someone else should have narrated this podcast. Rosie Perez clearly has a connection to the music, like me, but she has language/pronunciation ticks that don’t make her the ideal choice.
Apple Podcasts4LindaVee002United Statesa month ago
Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #7 | United States/Music/Music History |
Apple Podcasts | #38 | United States/Music |
Apple Podcasts | #17 |  Canada/Music/Music History |
Apple Podcasts | #135 |  United Kingdom/Music/Music History |
Apple Podcasts | #151 | Canada/Music |
Apple Podcasts | #10 |  Italy/Music/Music History |
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Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast
What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This season centers on the birth and rise of salsa in Nueva York, exploring how Fania Records reshaped Latin music and urban culture through a coalition of artists, managers, activists, and designers. Episodes interweave archival interviews, personal testimonies, and industry storytelling to reveal how branding, contracts, and politics intersected with artistry—from early boogaloo shifts to the studio-era heyday and the legendary Yankee Stadium performances. The show leans into cultural history, bold branding, and the social dynamics that propelled salsa onto the global stage, while also highlighting the personal costs and business frictions behind a transformative musical movement. Expect rigorous storytelling, deep provenance, and a rich ... more
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1. Latino USA
2. La Brega: Campeones
3. All Of It with Alison Stewart
4. Alt.Latino
5. Code Switch
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this podcast launched 3 months ago and published 11 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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What guests have appeared on this podcast?
Recent guests on this podcast include:
1. Cookie Pacheco
2. Aurora Flores
3. Marisol Negron
4. Larry Harlow
5. Bobby Sanabria
6. Carlos Tirinos
7. Ralph McArdle
8. Ruben Blades
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