Back in the late 80's I owned an after hours club in the Bronx called LeNoirs. Joe Bataan walked in around 3AM, we sat, had a few drinks, and talked about his needing to make a Come Back. He thought his old fans already forgot about him since it's been YEARS since he's performed. I asked hi to allow me to make his "Come Back Dance" which I titled on the flier; The Man Is Back, Joe Bataan. And I promoted his original come back at the old Cacique Night Club in the Bronx near the corner of Tremont and Webster Ave. We had lines all around the corner! An amazing evening which I told the DJ to record for me on cassette, which I still have, and listen to from time to time. I'm very happy in knowing that I was responsible for his 1st Come Back! Izzy Berrios
Hi Joe you taught me how to sing 🎤 and play the piano. I was like 15 years young. You got me by 11 years. I share you with family and friends. Thank you 🙏 for being an inspiration and taking time out for others ❤Doris Perez
Joe Bataan needs to write an autobiography. He has lived a great life, and has can document so much of what has happened in music and society over the last 50 years
Wow. I literally got chills watching this. I was blown away when he said he started salsoul records. So many legendary Disco songs were made on that label. I was a young kid in the 70's but disco was awesome and still is. This was wonderful and very educational to watch. I'm glad my sister sent me a video of Joe Bataan. I watched it went to RU-vid and found this one. Thank God for modern technology!!! 🙏
Man, I've been listening to this man's music for more decades than I care to say. He was never gone in my mind. My life soundtrack from growing up in East Harlem is filled with the music of Joe Bataan.
I grew up with Johnny Cocolo- Bishop Padilla's youngest brother who was in the band. "Riot" Album cover was photographed at Carver's Black Park handball court at 105th Street between Madison and Park. I remember it like it was just the other day (50 years ago). Boogaloo Blues was happenin' back then. Before Salsa, which begot electric boogie, which begat hip hop, etc... That's the real story. Joe Bataan- my man.
Interesting story about Joe Bataan and the founder of Salsoul. There was one sad moment at 1:05 that he got arrested for stealing a car and got jailed for 5 years. That was way before the "Grand Theft Auto" series came along, and he was a bad guy from the beginning. First, he was a troublemaker where he got upset, and then ended up becoming a singer rather than being a bad guy.
Trip out I always thought he was Latino/Raza but it’s because he grow up in the barrio! Just like people of other nationalities growing up here in the hoods of Califas
to joe it is overdue a bio of your life and music get a publisher and write all down for history, and don't leave out those early musicians they were part of your fame.
