Joe Bataan, often hailed as the “King of Latin Soul,” is a pioneering musician from Spanish Harlem whose vibrant fusion of Latin rhythms, R&B, and doo-wop helped define New York’s boogaloo sound of the 1960s. Drawing from his Filipino and African American heritage, Bataan’s heartfelt vocals and streetwise storytelling forged a unique cultural bridge in popular music. With classics like *Gypsy Woman* and *Ordinary Guy*, his legacy spans decades, influencing generations of Latin, soul, and hip-hop artists worldwide.