Honoring the life and career of Johnny Pacheco, a groundbreaking musical artist whose pioneering approach to music inspired generations and made him one of the most internationally renowned artists in Latin music.

IV 117TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION H. RES. 367 Honoring the life and career of Johnny Pacheco, a groundbreaking musical artist whose pioneering approach to music inspired generations and made him one of the most internationally renowned artists in Latin music. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MAY 4, 2021 Mr. ESPAILLAT submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor RESOLUTION Honoring the life and career of Johnny Pacheco, a groundbreaking musical artist whose pioneering approach to music inspired generations and made him one of the most internationally renowned artists in Latin music. Whereas Juan Pablo Pacheco Knipping was born in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, to Rafael Azarı´as Pacheco and Octavia Knipping Rochet on March 25, 1935; Whereas after his family immigrated to the United States, settling in New York, Mr. Pacheco studied percussion at the Julliard School of Music, becoming the lead percus- sionist of his time and was also recognized as one of the top flutists of his era; VerDate Sep 11 2014 21:09 May 04, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR367.IH HR367 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS 2 •HRES 367 IH Whereas, in 1960, to much success, Johnny Pacheco orga- nized his first legendary orchestra, ‘‘Pacheco y Su Charanga’’, producing the best selling album of the time, and spearheading the ‘‘Pachanga’’ dance phenomenon, becoming an internationally renowned star; Whereas, to foster a new generation of Latin artists in his stead, Mr. Pacheco created Fania Records, launching the careers of many young Latin stars as he served as the label’s executive, creative director, and musical producer; Whereas, through his commitment to increase the reach and impact of Latin music at home and abroad, Johnny Pacheco established Fania All-Stars to showcase leading artists of salsa and pachanga to millions of listeners throughout the New York metropolitan area; Whereas, throughout his esteemed career, Johnny Pacheco’s deeply held commitment to bettering his community and the lives of those around him through song has left an indelible impact on the fabric of Latin music; Whereas Johnny Pacheco’s talents have been recognized both at home and abroad, including by being— (1) inducted to the International Latin Music Hall of Fame; (2) a 9-time Grammy nominee; and (3) awarded the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achieve- ment Award in 2005; Whereas Johnny Pacheco was deeply committed to the im- provement of the Latin community worldwide, trans- forming countless lives through spearheading initiatives like the Hispanic Federation Relief Fund to support vic- tims of Hurricane Georges; VerDate Sep 11 2014 21:09 May 04, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR367.IH HR367 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS 3 •HRES 367 IH Whereas, to demonstrate his love for music and commitment to higher education, Mr. Pacheco established the Johnny Pacheco Scholarship Fund to aid struggling college stu- dents in the New York metropolitan area; Whereas in light of his steadfast leadership, resolve, and far- reaching impact, Johnny Pacheco was awarded the Presi- dential Medal of Honor in 1996, by then-President of the Dominican Republic, Joaquı´n Balaguer; and Whereas in the wake of Johnny Pacheco’s passing on Feb- ruary 15, 2021, in Teaneck, New Jersey, it is fitting that the House of Representatives recognize him for his con- tributions to Latin music, culture, and the diaspora: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 1 (1) expresses its profound sorrow of the passing 2 of Johnny Pacheco, a trailblazer in Latin music and 3 culture; 4 (2) celebrates the life, achievements, and impact 5 of Johnny; 6 (3) expresses its heartfelt sympathy to the fam- 7 ily, friends, and loved ones of Johnny Pacheco on his 8 passing; 9 (4) commends Johnny Pacheco for inspiring 10 millions through his devotion to our country and 11 music; 12 (5) recognizes Johnny Pacheco for being a pio- 13 neer, innovator, and legend of Latin music, culture, 14 and the greater diaspora; and 15 VerDate Sep 11 2014 21:09 May 04, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\HR367.IH HR367 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS 4 •HRES 367 IH (6) respectfully requests that the Clerk of the 1 House of Representatives transmit an enrolled copy 2 of this resolution to— 3 (A) the family of Johnny Pacheco, includ- 4 ing his surviving wife, Maria Elena Pacheco, 5 and his children; and 6 (B) Fania Records, of which he was a co- 7 founder. 8 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 21:09 May 04, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HR367.IH HR367 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS