Dahday’s Five Favorite Live Clips of Fania Legend Ismael Quintana

Classic salsa lost one of its giants on April 16 with the passing of former Eddie Palmieri lead singer Ismael Quintana.

Quintana’s death was first reported by Fania Records via its facebook account on April 17:

Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and raised in New York City, Quintana served as vocals on many of Eddie Palmieri’s classics but also had a solo career and sang as part of the legendary Fania All Stars.

Check out Dahday’s five favorite clips of Ismael Quintana live.

Quintana’s powerful voice is certainly most associated with his recordings with Palmieri. Here is a live performance at a theater in Woodstock, N.Y. which captures the energy of the band and his vocals on one of Palmieri’s greatest hits, “Adoracion.”

Here is another Eddie Palmieri classic for which he sang lead so well, “Pa’ Huele.”

Quintana eventually set forth on a solo career in the mid-to-late 1970s. Here is possibly his biggest solo hit performed with the Fania All Stars, “Mi Debilidad.”

Quintana also recorded with fellow Ponceño Papo Lucca of the super group La Sonora Ponceña. Check out this performance of the song “Piano Man:”

Last but certainly not least, Quintana possibly will be most remembered for his collaboration with Eddie Palmieri on the salsa anthem, “Puerto Rico.” This song will last an eternity to salsa fans all over the world. R.I.P. Ismael Quintana.

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