Luis César Ayala, known as Luisito Ayala is a native of Humacao, Puerto Rico.
His beginnings in music date back to his fifteenth year, performing as a trumpet player and director of the student group “Combo Estudiantil”.
At the age of sixteen, he began as a professional trumpet player in the Orquesta Panamericana, Willie Rosario, and Willie Rodriguez.
In the early 70’s the bassist and first director Jesús “Chuy” Castro founded the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra. Chuy was studying medicine and decided to dissolve the orchestra.
In 1978 Luisito Ayala acquired the rights of the orchestra and became its new director and trumpet leader.
This new stage and for six consecutive years the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra accompanied all the Fania Records artists that visited the enchanted island of Puerto Rico, among these famous stars were: Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez, Vitìn Avilés, Santitos Colon, Ismael Miranda, Héctor Lavoe, Paquito Guzmán and others.
By 1983 Luisito incorporated to his orchestra the quoted singer Tito Rojas “El Gallo salsero” as lead vocalist, from that moment the history changed. Puerto Rican Power became one of the most powerful orchestras in the salsa scene.
At the end of the 80’s, it became the stellar orchestra when it joined the cast of the record label Musical Productions (MP).
It was so successful that later the company decided to launch Tito Rojas as a soloist.
His time with Musical Productions and the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra spanned 9 years where he recorded great and important productions such as: Puerto Rican Power, Con más Poder, Con todo el Poder, El Da más Poder, and Poderoso pero Diferente.
Tracks such as “Noche de Bodas”, “Quiéreme tal como Soy”, “Juguete de Nadie”, “A Donde Irás”, “Emergencia de Amor”, and “Quiero Volver Contigo” have taken him around the world with his music.
The release of the album Con todo el Poder, in 1992, had a monumental impact on the public, the song “A dónde Iras?” led them to obtain local and international awards such as La Campana de Oro, El Combo de Oro, El Buho de Oro, Diplo’s, Paolis, Tu Música and nominated to the prestigious Billboard Awards.
In 1999 he became part of the record label J&N Records.
He continues with his overwhelming success with the productions: Men in Salsa, Wild Wild Salsa, Salsa Another Day and Éxitos Más, spreading with intensity the songs “Tu Cariñito”, “Me Tiene Loco”, “Doctor”, “Si Pero Na”, “Pena de Amor”, “Cuando me faltas Tú”, “Mi Mujer es un Policía” among others.
Another important production for the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra was “Salsa of the Caribbean”. a conglomerate of rhythm and flavor that got everyone dancing.
In 2009, Luisito Ayala takes another successful step in his musical career by presenting the recording “Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power…¡30 años de Power! A compilation of his most acclaimed live hits available in DVD and CD formats, this tour of famous songs includes 13 tracks including: “Quiéreme Tal Como Soy”, “Noche de Bodas”, “¿A dónde Iras?”, “Tu Cariñito” and Juguete de Nadie”.
His next musical work under the Latin Word Records label entitled A Otro Nivel! with the musical direction of maestro Julio “Gunda” Merced with his hit “Tengo Miedo” in the voice of the legendary Jose Feliciano.
The production shined with the participation of the outstanding voices of Fania’s Niño Bonito Ismael Miranda, Javi Marrero, Kittin Santiago, and Luisito Ayala Jr.
For 2014 and Luisito Ayala y la Puerto Rican Power returns with a masterpiece of modern Puerto Rican salsa entitled “Somos el Poder” is a mix of romantic and danceable material that sets a standard in the tropical genre.
That said the album highlights the common threads of salsa with a lot of swing and a Big Band sound, the first single titled “Dímelo Tu” in the youthful voice of Joshua Marcell, has become an anthem in Puerto Rico.
Marcell and the other singers Norberto “Gazu” Millón and Luisito Ayala Jr. come in with a new outfit and a new style for the group.
Another highlight of this album is the stellar posthumous tribute to Luisito’s son Braulio Ayala with Tony Vega, Tito Rojas, Ismael Miranda, Pedro Brull, Tito Nieves, and other salsa stars.
Once again Ayala presents us with a production of great variety and commercial appeal… ¡Somos el Poder!
For 2019 Ayala and the Puerto Rican Power bring us their most recent production titled 40 años de Poder.
Contact:
Mambiche Records
Luisito Ayala Tel: 787-649-4440
Email: [email protected] / Wed: www.puertoricanpower.com
Article of Interest: Celso Clemente Torres is considered one of the best-sounding bongos in the world.
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