During the 1970s, when salsa was going full throttle, Chicago was right in the thick of it. Salsa stars were coming to Chicago on a regular basis headlining dance halls, theaters and clubs. While most of us expected these headliners to eventually make their way here very few of us gave credit to those who went through the trouble to get them here. What most of us didn’t know was all the hard work it took to book these headliners and put the event together. One of the more popular promoters of that time was Angel Lopez, a charismatic hard working man from Puerto Rico who was responsible for bringing many of the main acts to Chicago during salsa’s heyday. Angel Lopez was tireless in his efforts to promote salsa in Chicago and probably brought about 80% of the big name salsa acts to Chicago during that time. This was a good thing. You see, these promotions brought work to Chicago. Local musicians received work as warm up bands and others were hired to accompany established stars who brought their sheet music virtually forming their bands here. Halls made money, musicians made money, vendors made money and spectators got to enjoy a big name act. Some of the stars Angel brought to Chicago on a regular basis were Eddie Palmieri, Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz and Sophie. During the salsa era Angel was at the top of his game. Angel Lopez even started the “Latin Connection” record label and was responsible for producing some of Chicago’s popular salsa bands. Angel, in my opinion, received very little credit for all he did to promote salsa in Chicago. At the close of the salsa era, Angel simply disappeared from the scene. I often wonder what ever happened to him. He was a true pioneer of Chicago salsa and deserved to be recognized for it. Wherever he is, I hope he is doing well. Attached is an old poster of one of his productions. If you were around during that time, you may remember it. Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Angel Lopez
During the 1970s, when salsa was going full throttle, Chicago was right in the thick of it. Salsa stars were coming to Chicago on a regular basis headlining dance halls, theaters and clubs. While most of us expected these headliners to eventually make their way here very few of us gave credit to those who went through the trouble to get them here. What most of us didn’t know was all the hard work it took to book these headliners and put the event together. One of the more popular promoters of that time was Angel Lopez, a charismatic hard working man from Puerto Rico who was responsible for bringing many of the main acts to Chicago during salsa’s heyday. Angel Lopez was tireless in his efforts to promote salsa in Chicago and probably brought about 80% of the big name salsa acts to Chicago during that time. This was a good thing. You see, these promotions brought work to Chicago. Local musicians received work as warm up bands and others were hired to accompany established stars who brought their sheet music virtually forming their bands here. Halls made money, musicians made money, vendors made money and spectators got to enjoy a big name act. Some of the stars Angel brought to Chicago on a regular basis were Eddie Palmieri, Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz and Sophie. During the salsa era Angel was at the top of his game. Angel Lopez even started the “Latin Connection” record label and was responsible for producing some of Chicago’s popular salsa bands. Angel, in my opinion, received very little credit for all he did to promote salsa in Chicago. At the close of the salsa era, Angel simply disappeared from the scene. I often wonder what ever happened to him. He was a true pioneer of Chicago salsa and deserved to be recognized for it. Wherever he is, I hope he is doing well. Attached is an old poster of one of his productions. If you were around during that time, you may remember it. 
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6 comments:
Promoters generally don't get the credit they deserve, primarily because any glorification of the Promoter would potentially shift the spotlight away from the star.
My guess is that Angel went back to Puerto Rico where the movement was probably still going strong at the time.
It would also be good to know who the Artists were that created the posters.
Angel was "fast paced"- sometimes over the top in his efforts to meet quick deadlines. From geting artists from the airport, hotels,to the venues and back to the airport for their return flight Angel was at the top of his game. He was experienced and one of the best at it. Artists relied on his ability to get them back home quickly so they could meet their next date. When he was the promoter, they knew everything would go well.
This poster was designed by an Afro-Cuban designer nemed, Steve Quintana III from New York. Angel Lopez used him often in creating posters for the many dances he promoted. Steve Quintana III was one of several artists that designed album covers for Fania and other record companiesa in New York. Check out the Joe Batan "Salsoul" album cover for a sample of his work. Another album to his credit is, "Y El Negro Ahi" by Eliot Romero with Charlie Palmieri and Hector Rodriguez.
@Borinqueno Con Sabor Hey this is Angel's grandson Angel Luis Lopez III, I wanted to thank you so much for this great write up and my grandfather would like to get in contact with you. P.S. we are still in Chicago! on Angel Lopez
yes my uncle is a very special man and i do remember all that. Thank you for the great write up.
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