History of Salsa Music

History of Salsa Music

Latin Americans have contributed many things to the world, but the region is most famous for two things: food and music. Probably one of the dishes many Americans are familiar with is salsa, as a catchall term that is used for sauces that spices up a meal. Salsa is a hot, savory, … Read more

The Life and Music of Eydie Gorme

Eydie Gorme

Introduction to Eydie Gorme Eydie Gorme was an American singer, most famously as part of Steve and Eydie as well as for her own solo work. With her real-life husband and singing partner Steve Lawrence (who is also a recording star on his own right), they attained successes such as their biggest … Read more

Ray Barretto – Puerto Rico’s Musical Pride

Ray Barretto

Introduction to Ray Baretto Ray Barretto (born April 29, 1929, died February 17, 2006) was born in Brooklyn, New York to Puerto Rican parents.  From an early age Ray loved Latin music.  Before becoming a prominent Latin band leader he started as a conga playing studio session musician.  He joined the army … Read more

Jose Jimenez – The Undisputed King of Ranchera-Mariachi Music

Jose Jimenez The Undisputed King of Ranchera Mariachi Music

Introduction to Jose Jimenez Jose Alfredo Jimenez was a Mexican singer-songwriter who became one of the legendary singers in the ranchera-mariachi style.  He was particularly active from the 50s music scene until his death in the early 1970s. Although he didn’t have any formal musical training, Jimenez nevertheless had a prolific career.  … Read more

The Chakachas – “Jungle Fever”

The Chakachas - "Jungle Fever"

Who are the Chakachas? The Chakachas were a group of studio musicians based in Belgium, first appearing the in the 1950s playing Latin soul and jazz, with some European music thrown in. The band was formed by Gaston Bogaert and started out in the late 1950s. They scored some Belgian hits such … Read more

Peggy Lee – “Fever”

Peggy Lee

Introduction to Peggy Lee Peggy Lee is one of the most renowned figures in American entertainment history – she was a talented pop/jazz singer, songwriter and actress whose career run spanned six decades. As an actress, she supplied the speaking and singing voices for the Disney animation film Lady And The Tramp; … Read more

Biography of Trini Lopez

Biography of Trini Lopez

Trini Lopez arrives at Schiphol Airport, for a performace at the Grand Gala Du Discque Populaire 1963. (Source: Wikipedia) A short introduction Trini Lopez is a guitarist and singer who’s best known for his upbeat version of the folk standard “If I Had A Hammer”, with a distinct Latin flavor. The Dallas, … Read more

Introduction to Foxy

Introduction to Foxy

Career summary Foxy was a dance/disco/Latin music group consisting of singer/guitarist/front man Ish Ledesma, Richie Puente (percussions; he was the son of Tito Puente), Charlie Murciano (keyboards), Arnold Paseiro (bass), and Joe Galdo (drums). The band formed in Miami, Florida in 1976. They scored their biggest hit “Get Off” in 1978. Other … Read more

Introduction to Vikki Carr

Introduction to Vikki Carr

Who is Vikki Carr? Vikki Carr is a Texan-born American singer, who achieved her only Top 10 hit single “It Must Be Him” in 1967. But she has been most successful with her Spanish-language songs among Latin audiences, with her albums such as Simplemente Mujer, Cossa del Amor, Recuerdo a Javier Solis, … Read more

El Chicano – “Viva Tirado”

El Chicano

Who are El Chicano? El Chicano are an American music group formed in the 1970s, whose repertoire include chicano rock and “brown-eyed soul.” They released singles that figured on the US Hot 100: “Viva Tirado” (from their 1970 debut album of the same title), their cover of Van Morrison’s “Brown-Eyed Girl” and … Read more

Introduction to War

Introduction to War

War had their beginnings in Long Beach, California way back in the early 1960s. High schoolers Howard E. Scott (guitars) and Harold Brown (drums) formed the Creators, an R&B cover band. Three years later these artists were added to expand the lineup: keyboardist Leroy “Lonnie” Jordan, bassist Morris “B.B.” Dickerson, and saxophonist/flutist … Read more

Biography of Carlos Santana

Biography of Carlos Santana

Early life and musical influences The guitar legend Carlos Santana was born Carlos Augusto Alves Santana on July 20, 1947 in Autlan de Navarro, Jalisco in Mexico. Music ran in the family, as his father had been an accomplished professional violinist, and his brother Jorge Santana would also become a well-known guitarist … Read more