International charts

Review: Celia & Johnny, released in 1974 on Fania Records, marked a pivotal moment for both Celia Cruz and salsa music. By this point, Cruz was already a celebrated star in Cuba, but her attempts to break into the U.S. salsa scene had struggled. Enter Johnny Pacheco, co-founder of Fania Records and leader of the Fania All-Stars. A longtime admirer of Celia's powerful contralto voice, Pacheco believed her potential had been stifled by overly complex arrangements. He was confident that pairing her voice with his more streamlined Afro-Caribbean rhythms would catapult her into salsa stardomiand he was right. The album produced two defining hits, 'Toro Mata' and 'Quimbara', both of which immediately resonated with dancers and salsa enthusiasts. The infectious grooves provided by Pacheco's band allowed Celia's voice to shine, and the success of these tracks solidified her status as the Queen of Salsa. Celia & Johnny is now seen as a cornerstone of salsa's golden age. The record's blend of traditional Cuban styles like mambo, guaracha, and guaguanco with the modern salsa sound brought the genre to a wider audience, particularly younger U.S.-born Latinos. Deep cuts like 'Tengo El Idde', 'Lo Tuyo Es Mental', and 'Canto a La Habana' further showcase Cruz's versatility, with moving performances that tap into spiritual, comedic and patriotic themes. Ultimately, Celia & Johnny remains a landmark collaboration that helped define the global appeal of salsa.