Adalberto Santiago

Born in Ciales, Puerto Rico on Aprils 23, 1937, singer, musician, and songwriter Adalberto Santiago is considered one of salsa music’s greatest vocalists. Influenced by iconic Cuban singers Beny Moré and Miguelito Cuní, he began his professional career playing bass or guitar with various trios led by Chuíto Vélez, Willie Rosario, and Willie Rodriguez. He rose to fame when he joined Ray Barretto’s band in 1966, recording seven albums over the next six years. Adalberto Santiago sang on many of Barreto’s hits including “Quitate La Mascara” and “Ala Con Alma”. Adalberto Santiago was a founding member of The Fania All-Stars, who have released over 15 albums since 1968. In 1973, he formed Tipica 73, a band featuring four former members of Ray Barretto’s group. He then left Tipica 73, taking a few members of that band with him, and formed Los Kimbos. Even with his own groups, he has contributed vocals for albums by Willie Rosario, Impacto Crea, Louie Ramirez, Celia Cruz & Tito Puente, Linda Ronstadt, Jazz Hamilton, and many others. Adalberto Santiago has also found time to record his own solo albums including Adalberto (1977), Calidad (1982) Cosas del Alma (1984), and Sex Symbol (1989), which featured the hit “La Noche Más Linda”. With a very large catalog of recordings spanning six decades, Adalberto Santiago’s iconic status in salsa music is secure.

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