Roberto Torres (musician)

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.

Roberto Torres
Torres at a ceremony in Union City, New Jersey, where was honored with a star at Celia Cruz Plaza.
Background information
Born (1938-02-10) 10 February 1938 (age 86)
Güines, Cuba
GenresCharanga, vallenata, son cubano, salsa
Occupation(s)Musician, producer, record executive
Instrument(s)Vocals, percussion
Years active1956–present
LabelsGuajiro, SAR

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

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ a b Cantor, Judy (26 August 1999). "Miami Maestro". Miami New Times. Retrieved 27 January 2020.
  3. ^ McConnachie, James; (Firm), Rough Guides (2000). World music: the rough guide. Rough Guides. p. 625. ISBN 978-1-85828-636-5.
  4. ^ Sanabria, Santo. "Latinos honored in Union City", The Union City Reporter, 12 June 2011, pages 1 and 12
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