Rosie Perez Traces the Birth of Salsa in Nueva York

Rosie Perez Traces the Birth of Salsa in Nueva York

Author: My Cultura, Futuro and iHeartPodcasts June 7, 2026 Duration: 36:17

Oscar and Emmy-nominated actress Rosie Perez takes us on the journey of the birth of salsa in Nueva York and the rebellious, seductive and political label that defined it: Fania Records. The 1960s brings social and political change to the world and to New York City, where a young Johnny Pacheco keeps people dancing with his orchestra and charanga music. The Dominican musician is also going through a divorce and his lawyer, Jerry Masucci, happens to be a fan of Johnny’s music. They formed Fania Records, changing music forever. This is the first episode of Futuro’s new podcast Our Thing: The Birth of Salsa in Nueva York.

The first two episodes are out now wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Subscribe and follow so you don’t miss upcoming episodes.

Latino USA is the longest-running news and culture radio program in the U.S., centering Latino stories and hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa.

Follow the show to get every episode.

Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes chisme on Latino USA and all our podcasts.

Follow us on TikTok and YouTube. Subscribe to our newsletter. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


For decades, Latino USA has offered a vital and nuanced soundscape, chronicling the multifaceted lives of Latino communities across the United States and beyond. Guided by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa, this Peabody Award-winning program digs deep, moving beyond headlines to share intimate narratives and investigative reports that reveal the cultural, political, and social currents shaping our world. As the longest-running radio show of its kind, it has built a legacy of trust and depth, exploring everything from personal identity and family legacy to immigration policy and artistic innovation. Each episode feels like a necessary conversation, one that illuminates the hearts and minds of a dynamic population whose stories are often filtered through someone else's lens. Here, those stories are told with authenticity and care. Produced by My Cultura, Futuro and iHeartPodcasts, this podcast is an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand the complex tapestry of contemporary society. The weekly installments are more than just reporting; they are documentary pieces that capture the ongoing impact of Latino voices. For those who wish to engage further, the Futuro+ membership offers additional content and behind-the-scenes perspectives, supporting the independent journalism at the core of this essential program.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Latino USA
Podcast Episodes
Can I Go Back to Colombia? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:34
In this intimate reflection, Colombian-American producer Tasha Sandoval takes listeners with her as she returns to her native Colombia, after a lifetime of living in the United States. For a few years, Tasha has had a gr…
'Cuba Is Next': U.S. Sanctions and the New Economy of Survival [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:09
Shortages of food, fuel, and basic goods are deepening the crisis in Cuba. For many families living on the island, survival now depends on an outside connection. In Miami, an entire economy has sprung up, with people sen…
A Colombian Ancestral Musical Genius You Should Know About [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:51
Petrona Martínez is one of the most important Black singers in Colombia's modern history—and she didn't get her big break until she was 60! She’s known as “the queen of bullerengue,” an ancestral music tradition that goe…