Music Victim

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New York

A night at the Cheetah

A night at the Cheetah

The story
New York skyline seen from Liberty State Park

A night at the Cheetah

On 26 August 1971, the Fania All-Stars played the Cheetah Club in New York. Fania recorded the concert and used it in the film Nuestra cosa latina. The resulting records let a later audience hear the musicians sharing a stage rather than only encounter their separate studio releases.

One performance was “Anacaona”, sung by Cheo Feliciano. Tite Curet Alonso’s song evokes Anacaona, a Taíno leader, as a captive and honours her people; its subject takes the listener beyond New York even as this recording captures a particular night in the city. Feliciano had recently signed with Fania as a solo artist, and the song also appeared on his album Cheo.

Two years later, the All-Stars played at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Their Cheetah performance remained available on record and film.

Artists and bands

Fania All-Stars

The label’s ensemble brought together artists associated with Fania. Its history records the Cheetah concert and later Yankee Stadium show.

Learn more: Fania history

Songs

Anacaona — Fania All-Stars and Cheo Feliciano

Tite Curet Alonso’s song, sung by Feliciano at the Cheetah; the official recording is identified as live.

Listen: live at the Cheetah

Places