Title: 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.
Policy area: Arts, Culture, Religion

Summary:
This resolution expresses the profound sorrow of the House of Representatives on the passing of Johnny Pacheco, a trailblazer in Latin music and culture.
The resolution also expresses sympathy to his family, friends, and loved ones.

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 190 Introduced in House (IH)]

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117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 190

   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

                             March 8, 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 Azarias Pacheco Knipping was born in Santiago de los Caballeros, 
        Dominican Republic, to Rafael Azarias 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 percussionist of his time and was also recognized as one of the 
        top flutists of his era;
Whereas, in 1960, to much success, Johnny Pacheco organized 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 Achievement Award in 2005;

Whereas Johnny Pacheco was deeply committed to the improvement of the Latin 
        community worldwide, transforming countless lives through spearheading 
        initiatives like the Hispanic Federation Relief Fund to support victims 
        of Hurricane Georges;
Whereas, to demonstrate his love for music and commitment to higher education, 
        Mr. Pacheco established the Johnny Pacheco Scholarship Fund to aid 
        struggling college students in the New York metropolitan area;
Whereas in light of his steadfast leadership, resolve, and far-reaching impact, 
        Johnny Pacheco was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor in 1996, by 
        then-President of the Dominican Republic, Joaquin Balaguer; and
Whereas in the wake of Johnny Pacheco's passing on February 15, 2021, in 
        Teaneck, New Jersey, it is fitting that the House of Representatives 
        recognize him for his contributions to Latin music, culture, and the 
        diaspora: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses its profound sorrow of the passing of Johnny 
        Pacheco, a trailblazer in Latin music and culture;
            (2) celebrates the life, achievements, and impact of 
        Johnny;
            (3) expresses its heartfelt sympathy to the family, 
        friends, and loved ones of Johnny Pacheco on his passing;
            (4) commends Johnny Pacheco for inspiring millions through 
        his devotion to our country and music;
            (5) recognizes Johnny Pacheco for being a pioneer, 
        innovator, and legend of Latin music, culture, and the greater 
        diaspora; and
            (6) respectfully requests that the Clerk of the House of 
        Representatives transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution 
        to--
                    (A) the family of Johnny Pacheco, including his 
                surviving wife, Maria Elena Pacheco, and his children; 
                and
                    (B) Fania Records, of which he was a cofounder.
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