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60 years in the business in the “Salsa” music industry, Héctor Maisonave says: “I have not seen anyone who surpasses the talent of Héctor Lavoe”.

You have managed the careers of so many salsa luminaries, how do you consider Héctor Lavoe’s talent?

I saw in Hector a supreme talent, to this day I have not seen anyone who can surpass him.

Not only as an artist selling tickets, selling records, but also as a human being.

There is no comparison of any kind, no matter who the artists are that are current today, to this day there has been no one that can replace Hector Lavoe.

He continues to this day as the most successful artist in all aspects.

He has managed and catapulted the careers of stars such as Héctor Lavoe, La Lupe, La India, Ismael Rivera, Tito Rodríguez, Gilberto Santa Rosa, among others.

“I continue to derive satisfaction from my work, my main addiction,” said the Puerto Rican producer.

With almost 60 years in the difficult and no less unpredictable music industry, today, on his 81st birthday, the artistic promoter Héctor Maisonave looks back to see that nothing remains the same in the business, but even so, his “musician soul” does not allow him to give up.

He has been a faithful witness and an important part of Latin American musical history, as a tireless promoter of the salsa rhythm in every corner of the planet.

His resume is impressive; he has produced more than 6,000 events; he has managed and catapulted the careers of some 80 artists, including stars such as his namesake Héctor Lavoe, Tito Rodríguez, La Lupe, India, Ismael Rivera, Raphy Leavitt, Gilberto Santa Rosa and La Sonora Ponceña.

And his experience has been recognized on more than one occasion by the artistic world.

In 2010, this veteran businessman received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Lincoln Center of New York, a distinction for his years in music production and management.

On that occasion, Diana Cortot, executive director of International Concert, the non-profit institution that presented Maisonave with the award, said that he was chosen because of the great help he has given to so many artists and his efforts to create a market for Latin music in the United States. “The Latin music industry, and salsa in particular, owes him a lot,” she said.

To this, the award-winning businessman, with the humility that has characterized him in each of his acts, simply said: “I don’t feel special, but privileged and honored”.

Born in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Maisonave was part of a great migratory stampede of Puerto Ricans who traveled to New York in the 1940s to escape poverty.

“It was here, in this city, where I took my first steps as a producer in the summer of 1950.”

Even at this age, memory remains one of his best attributes.

“I began to organize concerts in open spaces that attracted hundreds of people, who arrived in some buses that we arranged for the public, and they were like a kind of patron saint festivities in which transportation, food, dessert and dancing were offered… That was the beginning of everything,” he recalls while, suddenly, a special gleam begins to appear in his eyes.

That was the time when she discovered what her vocation was. But he also had to raise his voice, fight hard for his goals and defend his roots. He was even one of those who protested on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue so that the New York City government would grant him permission to hold a Puerto Rican parade.

“There were many inconveniences that got in the way, but there are more beautiful memories that light up my mind when I think of the dreams achieved,” confesses the man who had the idea of organizing Latino shows aboard boats that crossed the Hudson River to Bear Mountain.

And aware that, as he says, “turning 81 is not an everyday thing,” he says he is very happy to continue fighting the battle. “I continue to get enormous satisfaction from my work, my main addiction,” said this industrious Puerto Rican with his usual good humor.

Lately, his schedule has been as active as ever. From April to date, he has organized concerts for Grupo Mania and Tito Rojas (both in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania); José Alberto, “El Canario”, and Andy Andy at Six Flags New England, Springfield, Massachusetts, and next month he will be in charge of the presentation in Panama that salsa singer India has scheduled.

Source: Frank Manuel Orellana Rosas

Article of Interest: Richie Bonilla Management is a Latin Music booking and Managing Agency

The ultimely passing of El Judio Maravilloso

On August 20 this year, salsa fans around the world received of the devastating news about the death of Larry Harlow Kahn, who was one of the most transcendental figures of the Fania All-Stars at the time and Latin music in general. There have been many artists, writers and the general public have expressed their profound regret at the departure of pianist, leaving an unforgettable legacy and a profound mark in the minds of all those who admired him throughout his career. 

According to what writer specialized in music Aurora Flores said, Harlow, also known as “El Judio Maravilloso”, marked a unique style with great ease and innovation while staying attached to his traditions. From the hand of Johnny Pacheco and Jerry Masucci, this musician became a talented producer and creator for much of the work done by orchestra La Fania, resulting an approximate of 270 recordings for other artists and a good number of hits that continue to be heard today. 

This extremely talented pianist broke down all sorts of cultural barriers during his lifetime thanks to his great talent. He reached corners he has never dreamed of and will always be remembered for his great artistic endeavors. 

Ricky Gonzalez and Angel Fernandez make donations to support the Salsa Museum 

In recent days, it became known that both Ricky Gonzalez and Angel Fernandez have met with the director of the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum, Johnny Cruz, to bring him with some highly valuable objects. Gonzalez is Marc Anthony‘s pianist and Fernandez is the musical director of his orchestra, so both musicians have much to contribute to the historic museum presided by Cruz. 

In the particular case of González, he plans to offer some jackets that were worn by the famous Puerto Rican singer, while Fernández will offer a trumpet played at one of the many concerts offered by the boricua and his team. Together with the already mentioned objects, both artists pledged to collaborate in every way necessary to continue donating valuable acquisitions to the cultural institution.  On the official Facebook account of Johnny Cruz, the president of the museum can be seen in the company of both musicians and some thanks from his part to both of them for supporting the Spaha Salsa Gallery, as this place is also known.  

Migdalia Sánchez joins the Salsa Museum 

It has been announced that Migdalia Sanchez, the head of Latino 99 FM in Florida, has agreed to join the Salsa Museum with Johnny Cruz. This means that the aforementioned station will start broadcasting the programme hosted by Johnny Cruz at the same time so that all its listeners can enjoy it without a single problem.  

Salsa returns to New York 

Following the restrictions imposed by the local authorities due to the advance of COVID-19, many clubs and nightclubs have decided to open their doors again, but meeting each and every one of the health requirements for these places can be considered safe for the clientele. 

Every day there are more well-known names that join the list of places that are working almost normally after all this time. Here we mention some of the places that have reopened their doors:  

• La Marqueta  
• S.O.B’s  
• González y González  
• El Sanjuan  
• Taino Towers Crystal Ballroom 

What is happening in New York?

There are several reports in New York for the coming months in terms of salsa and Latin music in general. There are so many that we could not mention them all here, but we will summarize the most outstanding and interesting of the month. So make yourselves comfortable because we have many things to say.  

Salsa International Day Celebration 

Recently, it was announced that New York will host the First Salsa International Day Celebration, an event that has been announced by Carlos Velasquez from GrupoCKV and myself on 27 June of this year. This fabulous festivity will be broadcast through Canal America in an exclusive way and carried out on 14 August between 4 and 5 pm on New York time. 

In the words of Velasquez, this will be an event meant to unify and glorify all salsa lovers. He also mentions that for him and the rest of the team that makes this possible are proud to be able to share this great event with all viewers who are interested in the show that has been prepared for them.   

Donation of the last jacket worn by Franklin Ruíz in one of his shows 

For me and for the rest of the Spaha Salsa Gallery, it is a great honor that Franklin Ruíz’s brother Víctor Rolando Negrón Ruiz, best known as Viti Ruíz, has donated the last jacket worn by the artist at Madison Square Garden before his unfortunate death due to liver cirrhosis that had afflicted him a while ago. With this special offer, we will always have a pleasant memory of El Papá de La Salsa, who has left a bottomless void after his departure. 

Viti Ruiz is a huge iconic figure like his brother Franklin, who made us be more honored to receive him in our facilities and meet him about the gift to the Salsa Museum and how much this priceless possession meant to him. What makes this jacket so special is that it was worn by the singer during a heartfelt tribute in which his name was chanted for more than 15 minutes at Times Square Garden, time that will remain forever in the memory of the musician until his last days and that of all his fans.  

Tito Allen is more relevant than ever 

We all know the artistic career of Tito Allen for more than 60 years, whose songs hit speak for themselves. Despite so many decades, the Puerto Rican is still a very active man and wants everyone to know that he will return to the stage and will do it with a few surprises up his sleeve. 

He has announced that he will be part of the Salsa Festival, which will take place on 21 August from 8 pm. According to information recently published, the place chosen is the Stereo Garden in New York, which is a multi-use venue built in the 1940s under the name of Patchogue Roller Rink. One of the best characteristics of this place is the absence of inconvenient columns that can hinder the movement and view of the spectators, providing them with much more space in which they can move about. 

Additional to that, Tito will not be the only one performing that night, as the concert will count on the participation of Franklin Vasquez and Hector Tricoche. Those who wish to book their tickets may do so through Ticketmaster and they have a value of $40. 

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

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Johnny Rivera Born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx, NY.

Better known as El Noble de la Salsa, with more than 40 years of artistic career, a descendant of Puerto Rican parents.

He began his artistic career in New York, thanks to the influence of his uncle Adalberto Santiago, he began to demonstrate a strong inclination towards music and a great desire to prosper as a singer and learn all genres of music and especially Salsa, he continued his studies to improve his technique in singing and in a short time as a singer and chorus singer, he joined his uncle Adalberto Santiago and once he had the backing.

JOHNNY showed his talent, recording in the album Noche caliente, Volume 2, the song “Terciopelo y piedra” with Meñique and Tito Allen.

In 1980 JOHNNY RIVERA, was presented with the opportunity to record with several great orchestras that put him in the spotlight of the Music Industry, including a youth orchestra, Grupo Fascinación.

He recorded three additional albums, later he also received the opportunity to join Conjunto Clasico, standing out as a lead singer, he recorded two albums with Conjunto Clasico before leaving for his solo career, he recorded his first album now for real in his debut as a soloist, he stayed between Puerto Rico and New York.

The songs “Necesito Una Amiga”, “Esa Chica Es Mia” and “Como Fui A Enamorarme de ti” were hits from that production and the salsa singer had already recorded his second album entitled Encuentro Casual.

The first single from this album, “Te Regalare”, became a hit upon its release.

In 1993, Johnny Rivera recorded his third album, Cuando Parara La Lluvia, which featured three hit singles, “Cuando Parara La Lluvia”, “Por Eso está conmigo” and “Voy a Conquistar Tu Amor”.

Cuando Parara La Lluvia earned platinum accolades shortly after its release and made an impact around the world.

Rivera made a name for himself at New York’s Madison Square Garden, during his tenure with the late Ralph Mercado’s RMM label, Johnny Rivera had the opportunity to join another of the most important music star conglomerates of all time, the RMM Salsa Stars or the also renowned Combination Perfecta, where along with salsa artist Ray Sepulveda he earned multiple Gold and Platinum Records for sales in the United States and Latin America, including the Caribbean for the worldwide hit titled “No vale la Pena”.

In 1994 Johnny received the Paoli Award for Newcomer of the Year and the Diplo Award for Best Album of the Year.

Johnny Rivera has also obtained first places in the Billboard charts and has performed in the most important stages of the world such as Madison Square Garden in New York and is one of the most recognized salsa artists worldwide who has traveled with his music and charisma to cities around the world such as Cali, Bogota, Medellin, Venezuela, Lima, Quito, Guayaquil, Panama City, Guadalajara, San Jose, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, among many others, always enjoying great acceptance and popularity in recent years.

Now Johnny Rivera, a salsa legend hopes to surpass the success of his past and present musical endeavors with a resume that boasts the accomplishments that only a man of his caliber and experience can show.

For this year 2021 El Noble de la Salsa launches his latest album titled “Romántico y Algo Mas” 

Already available on all digital platforms…!