Personnel: Héctor Lavoe (vocals); Hector "Bomberito" Zarzuela, Raymond Maldonado (trumpet); Tommy Malon, Jose Rodgrigues (trombone); Mark Dimond (piano); Eddie Rivera (bass guitar); Milton Cardona (conga drum); Jose Mangual Jr. (bongos); Nicky Marrero (timbales); Rubén Blades, Willie Colón, Willie Garcia (background vocals).
This 1975 album was the first of many that salsa king Hector Lavoe would make for the storied Fania label, and it's the one that kickstarted his solo career, generating two Latin hits in "El Todopoderoso" and "Mi Gente." Lavoe's sweet-but-strong voice soars above percolating production by his former boss Willie Colon. The all-star cast that backs Lavoe on his maiden voyage also includes Ruben Blades on backing vocals and legendary conguero Milton Cardona. LA VOZ is a piece of New York City salsa history that sounds fresh even decades after its original release. minimize