Search Results for: Bobby Cruz

Jose Nogueras and Bobby Cruz Share a Social Message in Salsa

Veteran artists Jose Nogueras and Bobby Cruz have teamed up to create “Yo Soy Tú, Tú Eres Yo” (“I Am You, You Are Me”), a powerful song that celebrates equality, solidarity, and brotherhood among all people. According to a statement from Nogueras, the track delivers a deep and universal message: “Beyond our differences, we share the same dreams, struggles, and hopes.”

Composed by Jose Nogueras, “Yo Soy Tú, Tú Eres Yo” is a clear tribute to hope, love, justice, and unity, all set to a salsa rhythm deeply rooted in Puerto Rican heritage. The unmistakable voices of Nogueras and Cruz encourage us to reflect on the importance of human connection and empathy.

The song blends the classic essence of salsa with a meaningful human message. As is often the case with Nogueras’s compositions, the content resonates with today’s social reality. The arrangement perfectly complements the lyrics with rhythmic power, flavor, and authentic Puerto Rican style. This new release honors tradition while connecting with new generations of musicians and fans alike, thanks to its timeless message.

José Nogueras and Bobby Cruz combine their experience to produce "Yo soy tú, tú eres yo" (I Am You, You Are Me) by Bella Martinez — José Nogueras and Bobby Cruz combine their experience to produce “Yo soy tú, tú eres yo” (I Am You, You Are Me) by Bella Martinez

Nogueras’s lyrics once again confirm that his music serves as a vehicle for unity and hope. Meanwhile, the impeccable musical arrangement by Luis “Perico” Ortiz brings together several generations of great Puerto Rican musicians. The track features the talented Jorge Rivera on bass, interacting with the veteran tumbadora player Sammy Garcia. One of the most promising percussionists of his generation, David Marcano, shines on timbal and bongo. He’s also a member of one of the most respected dynasties in Puerto Rican popular music. On piano is Puerto Rico’s most versatile contemporary salsa artist, Carlos Garcia. The voices of the irreplaceable Josué Rosado and Willito Otero in the chorus seem to welcome back someone we’ve been missing for a while: Aldo Matta. The trumpets were handled by the song’s arranger, Luis “Perico” Ortiz, while Diego Diaz played the trombone.

Also read: Mel Martinez, “I come from Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico is Salsa”

Bobby Cruz’s musical career and future projects

Life and biography

Bobby Cruz is one of those names that definitely does not require much introduction. This tremendous songwriter and Christian pastor has made a dream career in which he has earned all sorts of awards and recognition that demonstrate his value as an artist, including gold records, Grammys, platinum records, among other world-class awards.

Roberto Cruz Ramos was born on 26 February 26 1937 in Hormigueros, Puerto Rico. He grew up in a very humble family that was dedicated to farm activities for a living. His father was one of those many workers in the town who gathered sugar cane from the fields intended for growing that product and became a labour leader who was highly respected by his co-workers and locals. When the family moved to New York City, USA, he entered school, discovered his passion for music and began to be heavily influenced by performers and groups such as the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, which he considered a source of inspiration.

In 1963, he met the man who would become his great musical running mate and with whom he would get many of the most important hits of his career. This was Ricardo Maldonado Morales, artistically known as Richie Ray, who was his neighbor and with whom he gave life to the orquesta de Richie Ray y Bobby Cruz. Even today, this is still considered to be one of the most important groups in the history of salsa, so no one can talk about this genre without mentioning both stars as compulsory references for anyone who wishes to study salsa in depth.

Bobby Cruz next to Richie Ray — Bobby Cruz and Richie Ray in their best days

Together with Ray, he reaped unimagined success and won many awards, one of the most important being first place in the Orchestras Festival thanks to the song La Zafra, which conquered the public and the jury by its heartfelt lyrics which referred to the daily struggle of the workers in the sugar cane fields and their experiences. If we take into account the fact that the father of Bobby was a sugarcane worker and someone respected in his trade, this song acquires a far stronger meaning for anyone who has had the fortune of hearing it.

Within the year, more specifically in 1974, Bobby became an evangelical pastor after Ray invited him to attend the same evangelical church of which he formed part. He did not much like the idea at first, but then changed his mind and became a faithful servant of Jesus, as he defines himself.

That was how he started a very interesting facet in both his life and his artistic career. In a way, Cruz succeeded in mixing his passion for music with his new religious beliefs. This is how Bobby and Ray began to use a religious approach to their musical works, a decision that unfortunately led to the loss of a large number of their followers. However, that did not stop them and they went on to regain the confidence of their fans and members of their church, who were not very happy with the idea at first.

Bobby Cruz in his Church — Bobby Cruz during his duties as an evangelical pastor

Current projects

Currently, Bobby Cruz is involved in a host of projects that takes up a lot of his time. One of them is the launch of his new book entitled Hubo Una vez un niño, the pages of which tell the story of a group of young inmates and their experiences in prison. The artist used stories he heard during his visits to prisons in Puerto Rico and other countries as part of his work as an evangelical pastor. In those prisons, he discovered stories about boys born into good families and healthy homes, but that did not stop them from ending up in prison for many reasons.

The fact that many of these boys were sons of pastors really touched him and made him wonder what had led these boys to commit acts so reprehensible having grown up in Christian homes. Moreover, there were many criminals who wanted to join the church and redeem themselves after having broken the law at that time. All of these things inspired Bobby in such a way that he wanted to create a story where he could reflect all of these elements that bothered him. It is now available on Amazon and many other platforms through which those interested can purchase it.

As additional data, the Puerto Rican let it be known that he is already working on the television version of the book, which will consist of 10 or 12 chapters in total.

Cover of Hubo una vez un nio — Cover of the book Hubo una vez un niño

One of the projects that Cruz has in mind is the launch of a film based on the trajectory of the singer with his orchestra fellow Richie Ray. It will be titled Richie Ray y Bobby Cruz, los reyes de la salsa and is expected to be the closest thing to the reality lived by the duo in years of greatest splendor. Although people of any age can enjoy it, it is known that it will be focused on the public that enjoyed their talent in the 70s and the actors are immensely similar to the performers in the time.

Among other details, it has been revealed that the film is already made and is in the process of being edited for release this year. It is just not clear the name of the platform that will be used to broadcast it, since the artists are waiting for the most attractive proposal possible. It was rumored that there were talks with Netflix to be the streaming service charged with broadcasting the film, but nothing has been confirmed officially.

Official Facebook page: Bobby Cruz

By: Johnny Cruz correspondent of International Salsa Magazine in New York City, New York

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Alexandra Albán Manitas de Piedra baptized by Bobby Cruz

The percussionist christened by Bobby CruzStone Hand.

Alexandra Albán is the daughter of José Vicente Albán and María del Carmen Illera. She remembers the musical variety of her city of birth, Pasto. She admires the playing of Giovanni Hidalgo and Ray Barreto. He has recorded with José Aguirre’s group Kema, with flutist Néstor Torres, with Charlie Cardona, with Tony Sucar, with Bobby Cruz, with Alberto Barros in his Tribute to Colombian Salsa and recently recorded for Aymé Nuviola.

Born in the city of Pasto, Colombia, even as a little girl her musical talent started to show as she started her career as a trumpet player for different musical groups in her home city. Soon she was also singing and participation in national level competitions in which she obtained numerous awards.

The percussionist baptized by Bobby Cruz as Hands of Stone — Alexandra Albán Stone Hand

On the other hand, when she decided to travel to the city of Cali, she began her career as a percussionist, where she began to be part of different groups, thus strengthening her musical talent especially as a percussionist, Alexandra has had the opportunity to participate with artists such as Puerto Rican flutist Nestor Torres in his Latin jazz album which was nominated for a Grammy and Latin Grammy for best album in its genre, also participated in the song “Agua para beber” by Bobby Cruz.

In 2016 she was invited to be part of the jury at the salsa world cup in Cali, Colombia.

In 2018, Maestro Milton Salcedo invites her to record one of the songs (Sombrero de Yarey) of his album Swing 80, where she recorded all the percussion and was also nominated for a Latin Grammy.

In 2019 the master Mario Ortiz invites her to record in his production “50 Aniversario” in the theme (Budo) which was also nominated for the Latin Grammy, and the singer Albita Rodriguez also invites her to record in one of the themes of her album “Acústico” nominated for the Latin Grammy.

In 2020 she was called by the renowned producer Motiff, to record a project of the Artist Arthur Hanlon, production called “Piano y Mujer” where she had the opportunity to record Percussion, Artist like Kany Gracia, Natalia Jimenez among other Artists, participated in Piano y Mujer.

Some artists Alexandra has worked with. Maelo Ruiz, Tito Nieves, Jerry Rivera, Luisito Carrión, Ray Sepúlveda, Ray de la Paz, Henry Fiol, Orquesta Mulenze, Tito Gómez (R.I.P), Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz (special guest percussionist), Roberto Blades, Cano Estremera (R.I.P) among others.

She has also had the opportunity to work and record with Alberto Barros’ tribute to Colombian salsa, a group that won 2 gold records for sales in Mexico.

Anecdote with Bobby Cruz and the nickname he gave you as Manitos de Piedra (Little Hands of Stone)

Since she was a child her beginnings in music were not long in coming, she began her career as a trumpet player in different groups in her hometown, she also ventured into singing where she was winner of national competitions, including the singing contest of the house of culture of Nariño, where she won first place. — Alexandra Albán Born in the city of Pasto, Colombia

The Manitos de piedra thing was when the master Bobby Cruz invited me to record a CD with a song called Agua para beber. Bobby Cruz wanted some quinto solos and wanted me to do them, he calls me, I record them, and my surprise when I listen to the final product and in the middle of the solo he tells me Alexandra Albán, Manitos de piedra, hahaha. That song hit in Puerto Rico and Miami. Once I went to a concert dedicated to Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz in Puerto Rico, and people asked me if I was the aforementioned Manitas de piedra. For them, that’s my identification.

He admires the playing of Giovanni Hidalgo and Ray Barreto. — I am from Colombia

Research Sources

Diana Marie: Correspondent for International Salsa Magazine in Miami, Florida

International Salsa Magazine

https://www.soultonecymbals.com/artist/alexandra-alban

By: Diana Marie Correspondent International Salsa Magazine in Miami, Florida

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Some events of Robby Ruiz and Bobby Valentin’s in USA

North America / USA

Robby Ruiz Launches his Bachata Single “In my feelings”

The moment´s revelation of Tropical Music brings a theme that will vibrate the deepest emotions

Para ser ubicado en: South – South Atlantic – Florida- Miami

Robby Ruíz is the newest EQS Music´s young artist, and “In My Feelings” is his first song and marks his debut as a Bachata revelation singer. This single is an original cover track by Canadian singer, Drake. The theme of this song is about relationships and how the the main character of the story finds himself in a power struggle with his feelings. “In My Feelings” from Robby Ruíz is an amazing Bachata Remix.

Release Date: July 20^th, 2018

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py6x_Pa7HCY

Bobby Valentin’s new album “Mind of a master” is already here!

An Authentic Work of Art to Collect

To be located in: NORTHEAST – MIDDLE ATLANTIC – NEW YORK

The new Latin Jazz Album “Mind of a Master” by Bobby Valentin & The LJ’s is the current sensation of the Latin musical Market containing important collaborations of international renowned figures in 11 tracks. Since its release this recording has marked a precedent with hundreds of unloads in four months by the world fans that support it and you will be able also to be part of that, by downloading “MIND OF A MASTER” in all digital platforms!!!

Release Date: April 14^th, 2018

Credits:
Bobby Valentin	Arrangements & Bass
Eliut Cintron	Trombone
Angie Machado	Trumpet
Ángel Luis Torres	Alto – Sax
Eduardo Zayas	Piano
David Marcano	Battery
Javier Oquendo	Congas
Special Guests:
Iván renta	Tenor – Saxo
José Nelson Ramírez	Hammond Organ
Orlando Santiago	String Sets
Tracks:
1. De Nuevo a la Carga		7.El Cumbanchero
2. Latin Gravy		8.Mellow Funk
3.Orocoa		9. Endless Love
4.Smooth Ride		10.Freedom
5.Blast Off		11. God Bless the Child
6. Coco Seco

“Thanks to all the media and the public for the support they have given me in my new Latin Jazz CD, Mind of a Master”. Bobby Valentin

Roberto Valentin, better known as Bobby Valentin, was born on June 9th, 1941 in Orocovis – Puerto Rico. His father taught him to play the guitar at a young age. When he was 11 years old, he participated in a local talent contest with a trio that he had formed. He played the guitar and sang for the trio and they won the first place prize. In 1963, Valentin joined Tito Rodriguez and traveled twice with Tito’s orchestra to Venezuela. He also made musical arrangements for Tito and at times for Charlie Palmieri, Joe Quijano, Willie Rosario, and Ray Barretto.

Bobby was also the musical arranger for the Fania All Stars, and is featured in a live recording of the conglomerate’s song “Descarga Fania” (which he also wrote) playing a bass guitar solo. In 1975, He left Fania and founded his own record label “Bronco Records” and released the album “Va a la Carcel” Vol 1 and Vol 2, recorded “live” at “El Oso Blanco”, Puerto Rico’s oldest state penitentiary.

During the years Valentin has been featured in recordings (and occasional live performances) by Larry Harlow, Ismael Miranda, Roberto Roena, Cheo Feliciano and the always remembered, Celia Cruz.

For more information contact him through this social channel: https://www.facebook.com/Bobby-Valentin-660486604066057/ or visit him in his official webpage: http://broncorecordsinc.com/

Video: https://www.facebook.com/660486604066057/videos/1325583834222994/

Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery & Johnny Cruz: ¡Que viva la Salsa!

North America / USA / California

Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery & Johnny Cruz: ¡Que viva la Salsa!

A private collection that was built over four decades has opened its doors to the public in El Barrio, New York, becoming the only permanent exhibition dedicated to salsa and its heritage

By Carmen Mercedes Aular

With the magic and passion of Johnny Cruz as host, Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery opened its doors to the New York community and the world a year ago, after 5 years of starting as a private gallery for an exclusive audience.

In this extraordinary place are exhibited 40 years of music, experiences and memories that now everyone can relive and consequently know the history behind each instrument, behind each object that rests in this immaculate space and carefully organized by Cruz. The collection includes instruments, pictures, newspapers, clothing and several gadgets donated by great musicians of Latin music.

Must share the good things

The initiative to bring the VIP experience to more people was conceived by Johnny Cruz to realize the positive impact that the gallery would have on the community of El Barrio and the way in which, through it, he could get more involved with schools from the neighborhood. The goal is to continue teaching children and adults the history of Latin music and show them how music is part of history and culture, and how it’s also part of El Barrio.

Cruz hopes to tell the story of each element of the gallery to anyone who wants to listen, and continue to increase the collection with donations from the stars of Latin music. Anyone interested in the history of music can learn something new and continue to share this information with other people so that the successes of these artists are never forgotten and kept alive in the collective memory.

In the near future, they hope to carry the information from the gallery to schools and universities in New York. In addition, they are working to collect resources to expand the collection and preserve exposure in the best and safest way possible, and become a source of employment for the community.

What awaits you at SpaHa Salsa Gallery?

At 1708 Lexington Ave NYC, you can find a wide variety of instruments, costumes, and other items from top artists of Latin music. One of the pieces of more recent data is the costume used by Sophy from Puerto Rico, in the tribute concert to Rafael Hernández at the Center for Fine Arts of Puerto Rico.

The great Eric Vélez supported the gallery by donating the congas that are in the permanent exhibition. You can also appreciate the tuxedo that Adalberto Santiago used in his 55th anniversary concert and a Bobby Cruz costume. A piece that you definitely have to watch is the colorful and vibrant Celia Cruz’s dress. Mike Rodriguez donated his güiro, maracas and tamboril. Willie Álvarez’s trombone also rests in this exposition.

Tourists and locals can learn about the history of objects belonging to musicians of La Fania All Stars or La Sonora Ponceña, the shoes of Héctor Casanova perched on the congas of Eddie Montalvo and numerous pieces full of anecdotes that will always, very gladly, share their host. The commitment of the gallery, and Johnny Cruz, is reaffirmed every day with donations of great glories that have a single purpose: to keep the music alive.

Soon, you will have access to the membership of the SpaHa Salsa Gallery, with which you will get information about the events before the general public and discounts in a wide network of restaurants in town, among other benefits, as a way to promote the gallery and obtain funds for its expansion and maintenance.

Within the gallery’s events programming for this month is Pablito Rosario and Cachete Maldonado’s visit, a celebration for Governor Andrew Cuomo for his triumph in the primaries vote in the state of New York, and another for Assemblyman Roberto Rodríguez, who has the support of the Latino community in the area where SpaHa Salsa Gallery lives. Moreover, Nicky Marrero, musician of the Fania All Stars, will donate the timbales he used recently in a tribute to Celia Cruz, so you can meet him in the gallery; on that day, he will be signing the instrument to formally deliver it to the collection.

The gallery is open to the public from Wednesday to Friday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm at 1708 Lexington Ave. NY 10029 (El Barrio).

You can get more information about events, membership and donations by calling 917-747-8505.

About the precursor of the initiative

Johnny Cruz has a history of 40 years in the world of Latin music, during which he has been collecting musical instruments. In the last 5 years he created Spaha Salsa Gallery in El Barrio in New York City and a year ago he shares it with friends, contacts, tourists and the community.

He has been a percussionist for the last 40 years and is passionate about music, singing it, producing it, composing it, telling it, living it today and keeping it alive forever. He has worked closely with some of the most outstanding Latin musicians in the business throughout his career and has been honored with a variety of awards over the years.

Photo by Johnny Cruz with more music instruments

At this time, he produces a public access television program for mnn.org called The Windows of Latin America. The program has been on the air weekly for 20 years, and it is the only TV space in New York where salsa is broadcast.

In a few days he will be premiering a collaborative production with Adalberto Santiago, with songs that recap his musical career of more than six decades and have the admiration and gratitude of Cruz. Within the framework of this launch, there will be an event in which great Latin music personalities will meet again at the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery to share a fun time with fans and friends.

Since the beginning of this trip, his desire has been to create a space for the community. Sharing these artifacts is their way of giving back to a community that they have had the pleasure of being part of for many years, a bit of their culture and their heritage for the world.