Roberto Torres (musician)
Roberto Torres | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Born | Güines, Cuba | 10 February 1938
Genres | Charanga, vallenata, son cubano, salsa |
Occupation(s) | Musician, producer, record executive |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, percussion |
Years active | 1956–present |
Labels | Guajiro, SAR |
Roberto Torres (born 10 February 1938)[1] is a Cuban singer, percussionist, bandleader and producer. Born in Güines, Cuba,[1] he moved to the United States in 1959, where he became involved in the Latin music scenes of New York and Miami.[2] In 1979, he founded two record labels, Guajiro Records and its subsidiary, SAR, both devoted to Cuban music.[2] As a singer and musician, he is famous for his combination of Cuban and Colombian music, which he termed "charanga vallenata". His biggest hit was a cover version of Simón Díaz's "Caballo Viejo".[3] He was a member of the Sonora Matancera for three years.[1] He has also appeared in music documentaries such as Son sabrosón: antesala de la salsa.
On 2 June 2011, the Cuban-American community of Union City, New Jersey honored Torres with a star on the Walk of Fame at Celia Cruz Plaza.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. pp. 2516/7. ISBN 0-85112-939-0.
- ^ a b Cantor, Judy (26 August 1999). "Miami Maestro". Miami New Times. Retrieved 27 January 2020.
- ^ McConnachie, James; (Firm), Rough Guides (2000). World music: the rough guide. Rough Guides. p. 625. ISBN 978-1-85828-636-5.
- ^ Sanabria, Santo. "Latinos honored in Union City", The Union City Reporter, 12 June 2011, pages 1 and 12