Hector Lavoe (born Hector Juan Perez Martinez, September 30, 1946 in Ponce, Puerto Rico and died June 29, 1993 in New York City) was an enormously talented Puerto Rican Salsa singer. La Voz, as he was referred to, began singing lead for Willie Colon's band at a very early age, achieving great success. Unfortunately he was developing an addiction to drugs at the same time. Despite his personal struggles, he rose up during the 70's, the heyday of Salsa.