Welcome to the DMC World Joe – quite simply an incredible career spanning four decades that began in 1965. You are appearing at Cargo in London on June 11th for the Red Bull Music Academy with James Pants, incredibly your first ever UK performance – why has it taken you so long to get over here?
“It has taken me more than thirty years to perform in the UK. Perhaps it was never the right moment for me or the UK. It seems in 1979 the big Rap record ‘Rapo Clapo’ became a top three song around the world all except in the UK. Unfortunately somewhere along the line, politics came into it with part of my publishing of the record with you guys. As a result of this Joe Bataan and his ‘Rapo Clapo’ did not get any major airplay from the big radio stations in the UK. I then became an underground favorite and wasn’t shared with everyone! So word of this Latin and Soul artist crept slowly forward over a span of some forty years plus until now. No one knows what to expect – except those who have had the pleasure of witnessing me in person. The Lord has opened up the door and has guided me to your homeland finally. Will history be written or just another performance? We shall see!”
So you are renowned around the world for your Latin R&B/Soul, Boogaloo, Salsa, Disco, Funk, Rap-O-Clap-O sound, who were your early musical influences?
“My early influences were Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers, The Heartbeats, Flamingoes, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Cole Porter, Johnny Ray and Titi Rodriquez to name just a few…”
So you grew up in Spanish Harlem, New York City where you ran with the Puerto Rican street gang the Dragons – what were those days like – what was New York like back then, how has the city changed and do you still see any of the gang?
“It was an exciting time full of adventure for me. Every street corner was an experience and every block spelt some kind of hope as well as despair. It was up to the individual to make his way and I was no different. Music was our focal point back then because television was just beginning at the time. The streets of Harlem was where it all happened but it could be cruel at times. You had to run fast and talk faster! You held the pain in during the day and cried at night. You had to be a man even when you were only a boy. Not too many of the gang are around anymore, but I do keep in touch with several of them through the Internet and heading up to the old neighborhood. The city has changed tremendously with so many more diverse groups, my neighborhood for instance is now a real melting pot of different cultures.”
You co-founded the Salsoul label – in fact it’s true that really you were the creator of the phrase Salsoul and the legacy that erupted. Must be one of your career highlights?
“I am finally getting the credit I think I deserve for what I started and people are now realising what really happened during the Disco craze. People are now recognising the truth if that make sense.”
How valuable to you was stopping making music in 1981 and working as a youth counselor helping kids in trouble?
“The Lord has a plan for us all – and this was indeed part of the master plan in my life. I learnt humility from it. I was honoured to be able to help young kids in trouble who, once a time, I was in the same position. I never dreamed that I would actually be in the position, I feel blessed to have been able to have done that for them.”
Your daughter Asia, winner of the Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search For the Next Doll, an album coming out from her this year, a model for P.Diddy and even once a cheerleader for the New York Knicks! Quite a girl…
“Yes, I am very proud of her. She is indeed working on several projects at the moment and also looking for another record deal.”
What are you most looking forward to performing for Red Bull in London at Cargo?
“Well, I am looking to connect with a London audience like they have never been connected to before! I want the people there to talk about the music for years to come.”
One of the most prized possessions in the DMC vault that our resident DJ Martin Madigan plays out every time is the 7″ single of ‘The Bottle’. A record that fans of Funk, Jazz and Northern Soul lovers adore. How does it feel to create a record that sounds as exciting today after thirty years?
“Quite simple really… an honour and a pleasure, and a great tribute to Gil Scott Heron.”
Did you ever get a reaction from Gil Scott Heron on your version?
“Yes, over at Salsoul some years back he expressed his pleasure and praised me for covering his creation.”
Another cult record which was staple diet for any London Jazz club is your ‘Ordinary Guy’, how did it feel to be packing dance-floors as far as London from New York?
“Well, I have recorded this track in seven different ways over the years. But if it’s the Bossa Nova version you’re talking about, I am thrilled because it is one of my favourites.”
The gig in Columbia, one of your ‘return’ gigs after such a long absence from the music scene, they demanded you sing your song ‘Riot’ just to make sure it was the REAL Joe Bataan up on stage – what was that gig like?
“A very strange and dangerous experience. I had to have my wits about me at all time. ‘Riot’ was a huge hit for me and the Columbian crowd got a real good feeling about it. They called it ‘El Aion’ – the airplane! They really slam danced to this tune and you have to remember, this country had shut out musically anything recorded after 1978. All they liked were the old sounds of the 60s and 70s.”
You were one of the first people to sing Latin music in English, was there any backlash against you for breaking this cultural code?
“Of course, people just couldn’t figure out who, what, where I was coming from. There were arguments in the streets all the time as to who I belonged to – Latins or Blacks. I liked to and still do, think myself as rainbow universal.”
You continued to break down barriers by fusing Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and Orchestral Funk, did you realize the world wide influence these tracks would bring?
“I only hoped I would make an impression. Someone in the UK summed it up good when he stated that “Joe Bataan never knew what he was about to start when he began fusing the salsoul sound and everything else. Little did he know he would start one of the biggest dance record labels in the world… Salsoul”
2001, a smartly dressed guy approached you at a High School Prom with a date in tow. A certain Mr James Pants who after was offered an internship at Stones Throw and then signed by Wolf. Tell us about the guy who you are playing with at Red Bull London…
“We are so excited about coming over. A great guy and boy is going to be an experience I’ll never forget with him.”
Who is the biggest star you have ever had the joy of meeting?
“Harry James. And now the Lord our God – Jesus Christ.”
Thank you for your time Joe.
Peace and thank you for the music.
Dan Prince
The Red Bull Music Academy & Karen P’s Broadcasting presents James Pants and Joe Bataan making their first ever performance at Cargo, London on Thursday June 11th.
