Joe Bataan

The Profile

American singer-songwriter and bandleader, known for blending soul and Latin music; associated with the term 'salsoul' and with recordings on Fania Records. Of Filipino and African-American descent; rose to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Review notes: described as the inventor of 'salsoul', son of a Filipino and an African American woman, recorded for Fania, and (per the review) recorded 16 albums. His 1972 album Saint Latin's Day Massacre is highlighted.

DeBaser's review praises Joe Bataan's 1972 album Saint Latin's Day Massacre and describes him as a pioneer of 'salsoul' — a fusion of soul and salsa. The reviewer recounts a personal introduction to salsa and recommends Bataan's Fania-era records. The review frames the music as warm, sexy, and influential on later dance genres.