This year sees a resurgence in salsa king Hector Lavoe’s popularity as the much anticipated biopic of the Latin legend, El Cantante, starring Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony prepares to hit the silver screen. Fania Records has prepared a new compilation of classic Hector Lavoe material in celebration of the occasion, entitled The El Cantante: The Originals. The album contains 13 newly re-mastered classics all featured in the Hector Lavoe film, as well as an exclusive remix of “Mi Gente” by Lavoe’s nephew, DJ Louie Vega [Masters at Work] and is set for release on July 17th. iTunes users can download the album one week ahead of time starting the week of July 10th.

Hector Lavoe’s brilliant voice and incomparable panache made him the ultimate icon of Latin cool and earned him the name “El Cantante” (The Singer) to generations worldwide. Often referred to as the “Latin Frank Sinatra,” Lavoe captured the essence of what came to be known as the Fania sound and dominated the salsa world for over three decades. His life story is full of dazzling heights and tragic lows. Shortly after meeting New York City trombonist, Willie Colon, the two instantly became a successful duo and produced hits such as “Che Che Cole” and “La Murga.” Lavoe went solo after releasing 10 albums with Colon, transforming the look and feel of Latin music with his signature “salsa dura” (hard salsa) sound. Hits such as “Mi Gente” have evolved to symbolize Latin power.