Héctor was born in Ponce

Héctor was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, to Francisca (Pachita) Martínez and Luis Pérez, and raised in the Machuelo barrio of the city. He was inspired early in life by his musically-talented family.His grandfather Don Juan Martínez was a singer of controversial songs, His mother Francisca (a.k.a. Pachita) was well known among her family and townspeople for her beautiful singing voice
Héctorattended the local Juan Morel Campos Public School of Music where the saxophone was the first instrument he learned to play, Lavoe abandoned school and sang with a ten-piece band, and later died of a drugoverdose.
Héctor Juan Pérez Martínez (September 30, 1946 – June 29, 1993), better known as Héctor Lavoe, was a Puerto Rican salsa singer.
Lavoe was born and raised in the Machuelo Abajo sector ofPonce, Puerto Rico. He moved to New York City at the age of sixteen. On his first week living in the city, he worked as the singer of a sextet formed by Roberto García. During this period, he performedwith several other groups, including Orquesta New York, Kako All-Stars, and the Johnny Pacheco band.
In 1967, Lavoe joined Willie Colón's band as vocalist .With the Willie Colón band, Lavoe recordedseveral hit songs, including "El Malo" and "Canto a Borinquen". Lavoe moved on to become a soloist and formed his own band, where he performed as lead vocals. As a soloist Lavoe recorded several hitsincluding "El cantante", "Bandolera" and "Periódico de ayer" ("El Cantante" was composed by Rubén Blades, "Bandolera" by Colón and "Periódico" by Tite Curet Alonso.) During this period he wasfrequently featured as guest singer for the Fania All Stars, and recorded numerous tracks with the band.
Last years and death
Following his rehabilitation, Lavoe's life was plagued by tragic events, emotionalturmoil, and pain. Both his mother and father died, and his seventeen-year-old son Héctor, Jr. was accidentally shot by a friend. Also, Lavoe was diagnosed with HIV/ AIDS.
Héctor died on June 29,...