JLo Reflects on Hector Lavoe's Legacy as She Opens Up About Personal Sacrifices and Music's Impact

In an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, which comes out this Wednesday, Jennifer Lopez offered profound insights into her artistic journey, paralleling her experiences with those of the legendary salsa singer Hector Lavoe.

Apple Music shared an exclusive portion of Jennifer Lopez's interview with the Latin Times, where she discusses her affinity with Hector Lavoe's story and the personal sacrifices she made during her career. This introspection is reflected in her work on the album "This Is Me... Now" and its accompanying Prime Video documentary.

A cautionary tale

"The first movie I ever produced was a movie called 'Hector Lavoe, El Cantante', which was about Hector Lavoe, who was an artist who I always looked at," Lopez said, referring to the legendary singer, who was one of the best known artists of the salsa orchestra Fania All-Stars. Lopez went on to describe Lavoe as a "sacrificial lamb" whose life was devoted to music, despite its significant personal cost.

Lavoe, a pivotal figure in the salsa movement worldwide, had a life marked by immense talent and tragic struggles, including battles with drug addiction and a premature death. Lopez's interest in telling his story stemmed from her own experiences as an artist, recognizing the weight of personal sacrifices made for the sake of art.

"His life was about putting this music out, but it cost him so much. And he wound up dying, and was constantly on and off drugs. But it was an interesting portrait of an artist, which is why I wanted to tell it. But because the music impacted so many people and it was such a movement. And that's why it's important," Lopez said about Lavoe and her need to produce and star in the 2006 movie with her then husband Marc Anthony.

Looking at herself through Lavoe's history as a mirror, Lopez decided to show the public the cost her career has had on her life, she explained to Lowe:

"I think at this point, when we're a little bit further down the line than our parents were, and we're into figuring ourselves out and looking at ourselves in a different way, that we keep evolving in that way, and we become unafraid to drop the curtain and go, this is part of it too. Just so you know, it costs me. It costs me time with my kids, it costs me time with... It cost me difficulties in relationships. It cost me all these things to be able to do all the things that I do."

Jennifer Lopez tells her story on her own words

Lopez's upcoming projects are part of her reflections on the complexities of an artist's life. According to her, "This Is Me... Now" is more than an album; it's a deeply personal narrative, chronicling her emotional, spiritual, and psychological evolution over two decades.

The album, featuring tracks such as "Can't Get Enough" and "Dear Ben Pt. II," serves as a sequel to her 2002 album, "This Is Me... Then," and reflects her renewed relationship with husband Ben Affleck.

Complementing the album, "This Is Me... Now: A Love Story," directed by Dave Meyers, is an intimate musical film on Prime Video. It is described as an ode to Lopez's journey of self-healing and belief in fairytale endings, underscoring her commitment to evolving as an artist and individual.

Jennifer Lopez reflections, including her connection to Hector Lavoe's story, form a significant part of this project, offering insights into her life and career and romantic choices. This release serves not just as new content but also as a document to the life of one of the most important Latinas in the world, from her own point of view.

"This Is Me...Now Radio debuts on Apple Music tomorrow at 10am PT at http://apple.co/JenniferLopez