Joe Bataan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe Bataan
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Bataan in 2016
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Bataan Nitollano |
| Born | 15 November 1942 Spanish Harlem, New York City, United States |
| Genres | Boogaloo, Latin music, Latin soul, Salsa, Latin Jazz, Groove, Funk, Disco, R&B and Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, musician, producer and film actor |
| Instruments | Piano and vocals |
| Years active | 1950–present |
| Labels | Fania Records |
Bataan Nitollano, also known as Joe Bataan, is a famous Filipino and American singer, songwriter, and musician. He was born on November 5, 1942. People all over the world, especially in the Latin music scene, know him as the "King of Latin Soul." He is known for his unique blend of Latin and soul music.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Growing Up in New York
Joe Bataan was born in New York City, USA, in 1942. He grew up in a neighborhood called Spanish Harlem in East Harlem. His father was from the Philippines, and his mother was African-American.
Music Career
Forming His First Band
..... His music mixed two popular styles: Latin boogaloo and African American doo-wop. Boogaloo is a fun mix of Latin rhythms with soul and R&B music. Doo-wop is a style of singing where groups use harmonies and often sing nonsense syllables.
Signing with Fania Records
Joe Bataan was very good at mixing these two styles. This caught the attention of Fania Records, a famous record label for Latin music. He signed with them in 1966. His first album, Gypsy Woman, came out in 1967. The main song on the album was a Latin dance version of "Gypsy Woman" by The Impressions.
He released eight albums with Fania Records. One of his most popular albums was Riot!, which sold so many copies that it earned a "gold" record award. His albums often had energetic Latin dance songs sung in Spanish, along with slower, soulful songs in English that Joe Bataan sang himself.
Starting Ghetto Records
Later, Joe Bataan had some disagreements about money with Jerry Masucci, who ran Fania Records. While he was still with Fania, Bataan secretly started his own record label called Ghetto Records. He helped other artists record their music, including Papo Felix and Eddie Lebron.
The "Salsoul" Sound
In 1973, Joe Bataan helped create the word "salsoul." This word became the name of his first album after leaving Fania. He recorded three albums for the Salsoul record label. He also released several hit songs, including "Rap-O Clap-O" in 1979. This song became one of the first big hits in hip hop.
After his album Bataan II in 1981, he took a break from music. He wanted to spend more time with his family. During this time, he worked as a youth counselor, helping young people in places where he himself had spent time as a teenager.
Returning to Music
In 2005, Joe Bataan returned to music. He worked with producer Daniel Collás to release a new album called Call My Name. This album was recorded in New York and was very well-received by fans.
In 2009, Joe Bataan was featured in a special musical project called City of God's Son. He was the narrator, telling the story of a famous rapper looking back at his younger days.
Awards and Recent Performances
In 2013, Joe Bataan received a special award for his lifetime achievements from the New York chapter of the Filipino American National Historical Society.
In 2014, he met Osman Jr. from the French band Setenta. This led to Joe Bataan performing in Paris for the first time in 2015. He also played at famous venues like Ronnie Scott's in London and the Summer Stage in New York. In 2015, he sang "My Rainbow," a soulful song composed by Setenta, which was released on their 2016 album Paris to Nueva York.
In 2016, Joe Bataan and his band, the Barrio Boys, performed for hundreds of fans on a boat cruise on the Hudson River in New York.
In 2017, Joe Bataan appeared in the film "Shine." He also worked with a boogaloo group called Spanglish Fly. They recorded a song called New York Rules, which included references to his famous songs "Subway Joe" and "Rap-o Clap-o." A remixed version of this song was even included in the soundtrack for the TV show She's Gotta Have It in 2019, directed by Spike Lee.
Most recently, in 2024, Joe Bataan was a main performer at the Latin Rock on the Dock festival in Vallejo, California.
Personal Life
Joe Bataan is married to Yvonne Bataan. Their daughter, Asia Nitollano, is also a singer.
