JOE BATAAN
African-American/Filipino

If I had the power to enter the name Joe Bataan into the English dictionary the definition would be the“King of Latin Soul”. That is the best way I can describe the soulful sound of Joe Bataan that has made a string of hits for over 40 years. As a self thought piano player Joe Bataan discovered his gift of talent and applied it to life experiences with song titles like (Ordinary Guy Afrofilipino)

that describes the history of his existence. Joe Bataan, the originator of the New York Latin Soul style that paralleled Latin bugalu and anticipated disco. Joe Bataan African-American/Filipino parents, Joe Bataan grew up in Spanish Harlem, with strong influences of R&B, Afro-Cuban and Afro-Rican. It was a pleasure doing this interview with a man with so much diversity I credit him as one of the best that have laid the foundation for those whom have followed in his footsteps. If you have ever had a Sal Soul record then you have encountered the one who started it all Joe Bataan was the founder that coined the name Sal and Soul that became a legendary household name.

TRANSLATED VERSION OF THIS INTERVIEW IN TAGALOG)

Kung ako ang tatanungin kung sino si Joe Bataan, isa lang ang papasok sa isipan ko na tugma sa kanya.."Hari ng Musikang Latino"Sya ay nakagawa na ng 40 awitin na pawang sumikat sa industriya ng musika.
Ang kaalaman nya sa pagtugtog ng piano ay sariling aral at isa sa mga awitin nya ay nagpapahayag ng pagkatao nya, ang awiting Ordinary Guy AfroFiliipino' Sya ang nagpasikat ng New York Latin Soul style ng musika na katumbas ng mga awiting disco at bugalu.Siya ay lumaki sa Spanish Harlem na kapaligiran na malaking bahagi ng uri ng musika na kanyang kinahiligan at naging daan sa kanyang kasikatan,R&B Afro Cuban at AfroRican.Kung kayo ay nakarinig na or nag aari ng mga recordings na Salsa Soul na uri ng musika si Joe Bataan ang nagpasikat ng pag uuri noon, Salsa Soul. Isang karangalan sa akin ang magkaroon ng pagkakataon na makilala at makapahayag ang isang taong napakalaki ng impluensya sa naiibang uri ng musika na kinagiliwan ng nakakarami.
© Craftonmusic.com 2008-a Joel Crafton Interview of Joe bataan

HERE ARE SOME OF JOE BATAAN SONGS

Ordinary Guy- Afrofilipino
Chick-A-Boom
Call My Name
I'm The Fool (Parts 1 & 2)
Gypsy Woman
It's A Good Feeling (Riot) / Mambo
Singing' Some Soul
St Latin's Day Massacre
Latin Strut
Joe Bataan - Rap-o-clap

and many more hits.