Joe Bataan

Joe Bataan, born Bataan Nitollano in 1942 in Spanish Harlem, New York City, is a pioneering Latin soul musician whose vibrant blend of Latin rhythms, R&B, and soul has made him a significant figure in the evolution of urban music. Of Filipino and African American descent, Bataan grew up immersed in the diverse musical tapestry of East Harlem, which shaped his unique sonic identity. After a formative period marked by personal challenges and time spent in prison, he emerged in the mid-1960s with a charismatic presence and infectious sound that captured the cultural fusion of his neighborhood.

He burst onto the music scene with his 1967 debut album "Gypsy Woman" on Fania Records, delivering hits that combined doo-wop, boogaloo, salsa, and streetwise English lyrics. Often referred to as the "King of Latin Soul," Bataan is known for classic tracks such as "Subway Joe," "Ordinary Guy," and the seminal "Rap-O Clap-O," which is cited as an early hip-hop track. Throughout his decades-long career, Joe Bataan has released numerous acclaimed albums and remained a beloved performer, recognized for bringing together Latino and African American musical traditions and for pioneering a multicultural sound that still inspires artists today.