Passion and Pain: The Life of Hector Lavoe

by Marc Shapiro

Book Overview

From the poverty-stricken streets of Ponce, Puerto Rico to the vibrant barrios of New York City, HECTOR LAVOE became the singer of all singers, and the driving-force behind the Salsa movement in the mid-1960s. His popularity rivaled that of his contemporaries, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco.

Behind the music, Hector's life was filled with drugs, alcohol and women. An endless stream of tragedy plagued him including: a gun-related...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312373074
• ISBN13: 9780312373078
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.7" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Surprisingly Very Good...considering

I am a huge fan of Marc Anthony, J.Lo? Not so much however; J.lo is magnificent in her role of Puchie, as for Marc he is a total dead ringer for Hector. The husband and wife team bought to the screen what Tom and Nicole could NOT do on eyes wide shut. At some moments in the movie you can actually see where it was very hard for Marc and J.lo to be ugly to one another. This movie will move you in a way you would not think possible. I remember Hector he is the love of my youth and there could never be another. Not only do I reccomend this movie highly, it will change your opinion of J.Lo, and possibly resulting in making you a fan of hers.

Hector Lavoe book

After hearing about the movie, I wanted to know more about this man. His life was so tragic and of his own making with no happy ending. I use it as a lesson to others as I work in the field of corrections.

A Salsa King

This book is great its about his life, people who knew of him knew it was a troubled life - its sad because again it proves all the money in the world, cannot buy happiness if people arent happy spritually or emotionally all the fame is worth nothing. Life is about happiness and spending it with the ones you love...

Passion And Pain - The life of Hector Lavoe **A Good Read**

A few aspects of Hector Lavoes life have been greatly illuminated for me. This man was truly a great talent in the world of Salsa. We all lost a giant in latin music when he passed on. He is still listened and danced to Today. I appreciated all that I learned about the man from reading this book, Good Reading !

Excellent reading!!!

Excellent reading, especially for those interested in the roots of Salsa music. It also brought me back to my days at the Corso and the Palladium.