Hector Lavoe El Cantante
Hector Lavoe El Cantante a love story? What the hell was Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony thinking? Hector Lavoe El Cantante a love story lol 
Look I was to young to be an Hector Lavoe fan but back home Salsa lover idolize him, but at the end of the day all he was another junkie with incredible ability he wasted away with drugs.
If Hector Lavoe was alive today he would be the poster child for for A&E’s Intervention, an addict with an unquenchable thirst for heroin and what ever else he could get his hands on.
Hector Lavoe fans have blasted the hell out of the movie for focusing most of the plot on his drug addiction, well those that either live or have lived with an addict will probably confirm that a drug addicts life is drugs and that is it every thing else is second.
Quick overview of Hector Lavoe thanks to wikipedia.
Hector Lavoe born Hector Juan Perez MartiÂnez (September 30, 1946 - June 29, 1993) was a Puerto Rican salsa singer. Lavoe is the son of Luis Perez and Panchita MartiÂnez and the father of two sons. His first son, Jose Alberto Perez was the result of a relationship with Carmen Castro. Hector married Nilda Rosado after she notified him that she was pregnant with his second son, Hector Jr.
Lavoe was born and raised in the Machuelito sector of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Early in his life, he attended a local music school and developed an interest inspired by Jesus Sanchez Erazo. He moved to New York city when he was seventeen years old. On his first week living in the city, he accepted to work as the vocalist of a sextet formed by Roberto GarciÂa. During this period he would perform with several other groups including Orquesta New York, Kako All-Stars and the Johnny Pacheco band.
In 1967, Lavoe joined Willie Colon’s band and performed as the band vocalist. With the Willie Colon band Lavoe recorded several hit songs including El malo and Canto a Borinquen. While working with the Willie Colon band, Lavoe became addicted to drugs. When Coon retired, Lavoe became a soloist and formed his own band, where he performed as lead vocalist. As a soloist Lavoe recorded several hits including El cantante, Bandolera and El periodico de ayer. During this period he was frequently featured as an invited vocalist in the Fania All Stars, and recorded numerous tracks with the band.
In 1979, Lavoe experienced a strong depression and sought the help of a high priest to attend his drug addiction. After a short rehabilitation, the deaths of his father, son and mother in law made him return to the addiction. These events and being diagnosed with HIV, affected Lavoe to the point of attemping suicide by jumping off the balcony of his hotel room. Lavoe survived and recorded a disc before his health began failing. Lavoe died in June 29, 1993, from a complication of AIDS.
Please post your comments if you have seen the movie.
Hector Lavoe El Cantante sometimes the truth hurts, but the history is the history.
Popularity: 8% [?]
Your comments demonstrate your enormous ignorance regarding Hector Lavoe and the Puerto Rican experience in the United States. Mr. Lavoe through his music represented the coming of age of the New York raised Puerto Ricans and their connection to their culture. Salsa became the musical representation of the Puerto Rican community in New York. I wonder if you would say the same thing about Billie Holiday or are your prejudices just limited to the Puerto Rican community?
No matter what the critics say, it was still a good movie, the truth is the truth….”I LOVE HECTOR 2 BUT HE WAS AN ADULT WHO MADE HIS OWN DESITIONS” Unfortunatley he had a lot of people to party with,… but no one to help him find his way out…..REST IN PEACE NOW….
I THINK HECTOR LAVOE WAS A VERY GOOD SALSA SINGER AND BOLERO SINGER. IT IS SAD THAT HE WAS ON DRUGS. IT IS BECAUSE HE DIDN’T HAVE JESUS IN HIS HEART. I THINK HIS WIFE DID NOT HELP HIM AT ALL.
I agree with Pedro Flores’ statement as being straightforward and honest. I am extremely saddened by Willie Colon’s statement regarding the film. We as Latinos, other minorities and caucasians understand the obstacles of a non-supportive industry that takes advantage of entertainers regardless of race or ethnicity. I believe that Hector LaVoe’s personal life as portrayed by Mark Anthony and Jennifer Lopez was right on the mark. This is what I wanted to see, his personal life story, not the obstacles he faced by a cruel, uncaring and insensitive industry towards entertainers. Mark Anthony’s and Jennifer Lopez’ acting was superb, and for one feel they should be recognized as great performers. Their acting in this movie exceeded their abilities as actors. I enjoyed the movie immensely, and will purchase the CD and DVD.
i think you really have to read up on hector lavoes life in order to comment as you have. Hector lavoe was an amazing singer practically the one who brought salsa to where it is now. go to wikipedia or something maybe they can help you figure his life out more… its a waste of time to comment on a huge figure in history if you dont know anything about hime… his life is more then just a movie…
Melanie And Pedro read my new post. It seems neither of you have a real grasp of the history or the truth. Both of you seem to be young and have no experience in the real 70’s. No we do not owe anything to Hector Lavoe we owe Salsa being what it is today to Willie Colon.
I feel sad about the way Hector was portrayed whether it was true or not. There was no need to show so much of his down fault to make a good movie. What do we gain with that? Let the dead rest in peace unless you have something good to say. He definitely paid for his mistakes.
Migdalia I agree about making the movie, I would have never made it. But if you are going to make a movie about some ones life you have to show the truth. Unfortunately people that are really mad about this movie is because all they know about Hector is his music on the screen his life was portrayed, And the facts are the facts, his life and the way he decided to live it is a disgrace.
The acting was great by all of them, however, I was disappointed that the entire movie was based on this interview w/Puchi; it should’ve been named something else like La Esposa del Cantante. I read an article based on an interview from Carmen, the other woman, and her views are so different, but then again, she wasn’t a selfish, pushy,bitter drug user like Puchi. She talks about how Hector would call her and his son behind Puchi’s back because he loved them. It was good to know that they kept in touch and that she was there for him until the end regardless of Puchi’s demands. It’s a shame that I had to read about the good things about Hector since very little was dipicted in the movie.
I enjoyed the movie. I love the music. I grew up listening to my mom’s albums so the music is very special to me. I think Jennifer and Marc did a wonderful job. As well as Vincent as Willie Colon. I will see this movie again.
AGE IS NOT A FACTOR HERE TO KNOW THE HISTORY OF THE STRUGGLES OF UPCOMING MUSICIAN (JAZZ,LATIN,ROCK,ETC.)
1940′S ON TILL TODAY. MANY TIMES EXTRACTED FROM THEIR SOUL AND PAINS WITH IN. YES, BUT WHEN YOU HEAR THE SONGS,WE ALL REMEMBER HOW WONDERFUL THE PERFORMANCE,CONCERT,VIDEO ETC.WAS. TODAYS AS A MUSICIAN,SINGER,ARTIST ARE REALISTICALLY ARE ON A EASIER STREAM OF SUCCESS
3 BEATS, 7 LYRICS AND YOU HAVE A SONG.
WHAT AM I GETTING AT? MY COMMENTS ABOUT THE FILM…..
WHAT IS WRONG WITH DOCUMENTING WHAT USED TO HAPPEN IN THOSE DAYS YOU KNOW….. STUDIO 54?
HECTOR LAVOE WAS A GREAT ARTIST, HE HAD A LOT OF PAIN
UNFORTUNATELY, HIS PAIN WAS HIS SUCCESS. JUST LIKE SO MANY, MILE DAVIS, BILLY HOLLIDAY, HECTOR LAVOE, WE CAN
GO ON FOR EVER….. THERE WILL BE MANY CRITISISM ON THIS FILM - EL CANTANTE.. GOOD AND BAD.
HAPPY TO HEAR HECTOR LAVOE LIFE WAS PRODUCED VISUALLY, I THINK ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE FANIA ALL STAR WOULD DREAM FOR THEIR LIVES TO BE DOCUMENTED AS SUCH.
I agree with everything Migdalia said! Its non of anyone’s business what Hector LaVoe did in his personal life. The movie shouldn’t have been made! Also some of us have tried looking for anything regarding Puchi’s so-called interview and haven’t found anything. I’m starting to wonder if any of this is true. Thanks for the info Kimberly regarding Carmen. There is always two sides to every story…seems like the movie portrayed Hector the wrong way.
Nobody knew Hector like his wife, Puchi. That is why the movie was created from her input. It is easy for you to criticize and judge both Hector and Puchi. I believe that Puchi loved and supported Hector even though he was an addict who could not even help himself. Thank you Jlo and Marc for revealing some aspects of Hector’s life which were not known. I have known a few people that, like Hector, could not recover from drugs and died as a result. A lot of people died due to that era of free sex and drugs. Even though he was surrounded by so many people that “loved” him, I wonder if any one of his family or friends tried to rescue him. I will always be a true fan of Hector because to me, he was the greatest salsa performer ever and the best “cantante”.
Let’s just put it simple people, the only people that will really know how the life and times of Hector Perez was are the people that surrounded him during his turbulant life. Some of you guys made some great points, whether it be good or bad, but come on mi gente. Let the mans legend live in peace and enjoy him as he was meant to be known by his fans: through his music.
To the sour-puss who called Hector a “JUNKIE” and ALL WHO FEEL THAT HECTOR’S LIFE SHOULD HAVE BEEN SUGAR-COATED.
First, the late and LEGENDARY artist, Hector Lavoe wasn’t always a “JUNKIE” he was an aspiring artist who achieved GREATNESS in his own right. I’m sure that spent little time judging and chastizing others ~ he was probably too busy working on his craft.
We live in a world filled with hatred and lies, do you think Hector Lavoe would have preferred to live a life with the image (lies) he was obligated to portray? I think not! One may have many people in their circle and feel completely ALONE. This was apparently the case with Lavoe. Perhaps this weighed most heavily on his shoulders. Therefore, this movie, is a way of FINALLY PUTTING HIS SOUL TO REST!
I’m disappointed with the movie. It was more about JLO’s portraying “Puchi” than Hectors Lavoe’s life. JLO said in an interview that when she received the script, she gave the script to her writer to rewrite; I guess he rewrote it so that she could be in all the scenes, since it’s her production company. She also said in that same interview that they researched Hectors life in PR/NY. But I guess she choose to tell it her way.
I agree with you David, this is just a puchi/JLO movie. Everyone who surrounded Hector’s life should have been interviewed. Even his son Jose Alberto.
I liked the movie.
I certainly agree with Vic. This is the best place to come if you are looking for an honest discussion about everything.
While reading all your comments, I wondered whether you guys were watching the same movie as me. For those of you who criticize the way in which the movie “El Cantante” depicted Hector Lavoes’ life especially his drug addiction…you definately did not pay attention. You have to remember that this movie WAS TOLD BY PUCHI HERSELF. It came from Puchis perspective of Hector. probably all Hector was to her was a Junkie and a Womanizer with a Great Talent to Make people happy with his songs and his voice. Lets remember she wasnt squeeqy clean either. If the movie would’ve been about all of Hectors’ virtues, trust me, people wouldn’t be talking about it as much as they are now. Hollywood is Drama ladies and gentlemen and seeing a salsa legend reach superstardom and then hit rock bottom because of his drug addiction is DRAMA. Dont blame J.Lo and her Hubby. Hectors’ life was what it was and people need to learn how to handle the truth about “El Cantante”.
I totally agree with GCNY163 people we all know he was a great singer (hector)but his life was what it was i think jlo did a good job and it was a good movie.
A friend e mailed me a copy of Willie Colon’s comments on the film and I thought about the things that disappointed him…the greedy music industry, the fallout on the Latino, or specifically Puerto Rican com-munity for the emphasis on Lavoe’s addiction, etc. I was surprised at the controversy surrounding the film but very much enlightened by everyone’s remarks. We (one old boricua salsero and one old gringa salsera) loved the film and would gladly see it again. I know about the pain of addiction and thought the script and the acting caught it perfectly. Thank you Hector for the beautiful music and thank you J-Lo and Marc Anthony for bringing the story to life and, I hope, spreading the music to hearts everywhere.
I Just saw El Cantante Jennifer, Marc and the entire ensemble were absolutely amazing. The story could have been told many ways. I felt it was keeping it real in depicting how he traveled within the forces that surronded his life. I know We make our choices) The film was’nt about apologizing for his choices, no one but Hector could do that.and that would be to family and friends. Just sit and take the ride let see who he was and what he does. It is not up to me to make judgement calls. I felt Marc and Jennifer and cast created the experience of what it was like to live the day to day. To feel his passionate music. Bravo!
Was he glorified, Hell yes ! he deserved to be. His music and energy was glorified not the drugs. You would have to be a fool to think that was the message. I read some of the comments and felt that many people missed the boat on this wonderful film.
We don’t like to see people’s dirty laundry including our own.
People fight to live everyday…
The art direction was on point.
I grew up in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn and have many friends from Puerto Rico. I learned to Salsa and my first husband
was from Mayaquez P.R. who unfortunatedly turned to heroin.
All the beat were there for me.
I love the editing and camera work . The artistry that went into the film I appreciated so much…
Again Thank you,
Jennifer,Marc , The Entire Cast and Crew
Mary
who we are to judge Hector Lavoe? If we all SINNERS in diferrent ways! I saw El Cantante movie with Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez and i though it was great! Article like this makes me sad….and it makes me think how maybe Hector could it be helped by his friends….but never happend ’cause pepole like the guy who wrote this were never there for him! Shame ON you! No one has the power to judge but GOD!
Im sorry i writting half english and half spanish.
I like very much the Movie….La verdad no mata a nadie y esa epoca fueron epocas donde la droga era la moda y sobre todo en el mundo de los cantantes donde su vida por su trabajo era nocturna. Recuerdo que casi el hacer drogas era de alguna elite exclusiva no como en estos tiempos, y la mayoria de los cantantes de esa epoca salieron ilesos y colgaron los guantes a tiempo.
Hector por su vida se metio en otro tipo de drogas que todos vimos en la pelicula y ese fue su error. Tambien la muerte de su hijo. Como dicen la droga acaba en silencio.
La pelicula me gusto porque la vida sentimental del cantante y como a pesar de todo el y Puchi fueron felices y a su manera fue buen padre., queria a su hijo, pero cual droga no dana el cerebro de alguien., el no tuvo la culpa.
La pelicula para mi fue un resumen de todo y la verdad!!! no se puede cambiar lo que paso pero su musica quedo entre todos y por eso lo recordamos siempre con alegria porque el tambien fue muy alegre y fiestero.
A los envidiosos que critican la pelicula , vayan adelante yo que vivi esa epoca se que como la cuentan asi fue .
Marc me gusto mucho mucho tu papel, era como estar con Hector I love U …Jenny gracias por darle vida a Puchi eres lo maximo ….y los esperamos en Miami el 2 y 3 de Noviembre. Kisses Gis
the movie was puchis view of things; they based the movie off the interview she did. I saw how drugs took his life. But I what I heard was the music. some of it brought me back to when I was a child listing to my mom blast the music while she clean the house. As soon as I got home I google Hector Lavoe and then I went to Youtube. I saw him perform, he was great! I have become a great fan becasue I took the best from the movie his music. His love for my island Puerto Rico. He broght it to NY. And it made me wonder what kind of pain was he in that he chose to through it all away for heroin. I have family members that were or are drug users and my father was also a heroin user and there is always a pain that must go away but doesn’t and the only way they feel relieve from the pain is by drugs or any other addiction. Your family and true friends must be strong, understanding, commited, loving, and thruthful. And that is something that Hector did not have.
We have to remember that Hector’s wife gave authorization to produce this movie not knowing she would pass away so in that said and done I in the other hand can assure you that that was not the Hector Lavoe I share my life with, he was kind, funny,love to mingle with the audiance,a very talanted singer and musican, I can go on and on but for now I can also say that with all his faults he adored to sing for his Gente. My son and I would like to thank each and everyone of you Hector’s Gente his public for keeping him in our hearts with all the love and emotions we all share with him Hector must be smiling down on us and singing Que Cante Mi Gente.He must feel the love and energy we still have for him as for me and my son and also his public we
will never ever forget who he is and was.I for one will always cherish every moment we shared with our son, will never forget the good times we spent together. May God Bless each and everyone of Hector’s Gente.
LOL
Carmen mother of Hector Lavoe’s son [Jose]
i think ur an a h—e ive known addicts and i live with one yes i come second when he is on them and yes it is a hard life to live but in the same breath apparently u have no sins since u want to throw around plenty of stones i was born puerto rican and will die one but if u were to read up a little more on addiction u would know how ignorant u sound anyway for my hector lavoe fans we love u hector rest in peace and my god of had mercy on you because u did bad but u also did good and dont bother responding ur not worth the effort