Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, veteran songwriter, and singer Johnny Vega grew up surrounded by music and relatives with the same natural talent he discovered in himself at an early age.
It wasn’t long before his obvious gift of writing accompanied by strong vocals was in demand.
Many salsa greats highlighted Johnny Vega, as a songwriter and vocalist at an early age New York was the vanguard of his success.
Relocating as a teenager, with his family, he mastered his craft in both Spanish and English being one of the first Puerto Rican musicians to compose and sing a bilingual hit, singing with Cortijo for the legendary band “Cortijo y su Combo” in the early 70s.
His musical career as described here gave him the notoriety that follows today, currently involved in multiple projects, Johnny continues to write and often performs at sold-out venues in his hometown.
Johnny Vega has participated with a myriad of orchestras to name a few:
Trio Las 3 Voces
Jóvenes Del Ritmo
Gil Suarez Y Su Orquesta Latin Highs
Sonora Casino
Cortijo Y Su Combo
Kako And His Trabuco
Conjunto Los Imposibles
Orquesta Sabor
Conjunto Antonetti
Orquesta La Muralla
Conjunto La Villa Arecibo
Paquito Guzman Y Su Orquesta
Conjunto Santurce
Los 7 Gatos
Renovación 90
Hermanos Gonzalez (Help Yourselves 2015)
Noel Quintana & Latin Crew Popeye Y La Flaca 2016
Soloist Tribute To Celia
Some of his compositions:
Popeye – Ay Caray – Adalberto Santiago
Pancuco – Frankie Ruiz
Tú y tu novela – Pasado, presenté y futuro – Mike Cora
Avísale – Clown – incredulous – La Muralla
I’m dying inside – Rafi Marrero
Volver- Tito Rodriguez Jr. Singing Gilberto Santa Rosa
My Salsa is my Cura- Josean Rivera
Hermano Cortijo- Josean Rivera
Sueño de un Borincano- Willie Morales “El Piloto de la Salsa”.
Que le Pasa al Cielo- Chevy El Pitirre de la Salsa
Aquí Mando Yo- Chevy El Pitirre de la Salsa
From that moment on Johnny began to write and share his compositions with local bands so that they could establish their own musical identity.
From that era of inspiration, Johnny gave the maestro Tommy Olivencia the song “Pancuco”, especially for Frankie Ruiz.
Also “Ay Caray” & “Popeye el Marino” for Adalberto Santiago. Many of the musicians who grew up under the supervision of maestro Johnny Vega initially, went on to form part of the orchestras of Celia Cruz, Sonora Ponceña, Héctor Lavoe and many other high caliber bands.
In Rochester, Johnny sang with Orquesta Sabor, Antonetti, and Mike Rosario’s Muralla with whom he formed a solid partnership which included great productions, one of them being “Avísale” a collector’s item for which royalties are still being paid three decades later.
Songs by Johnny Vega-
Father and Son
Compañera Mía
Tribute To Celia
Listen To My Message
Born To Sing
Johnny Vega lives in Rochester NY with his wife of 56 years, 5 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He continues to leave his great musical legacy.
Contact:
Facebook: Johnny Vega
https://www.facebook.com/johnny.vega.7503
Instagram: @vjohnny220
https://instagram.com/vjohnny220?utm_medium=copy_link
If you require Vega’s pen write to email.
Por: Erika Muñoz
Corresponsal de International Salsa Magazine
Article of Interest: Willie Morales The Salsa Pilot Taking off with force… New, Tasty and Danceable Salsa!
- Robert Tellez is undoubtedly “El más que sabe de salsa” (The one who knows the most about Salsa) - August 30, 2024
- Willie González supports the Spanish Harlem Salsa Museum - August 8, 2024
- Ralph Rivera’s rol in the promotion of Latin Culture - June 2, 2024