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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.   

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. 

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.   

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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Born in the city of Carolina, Puerto Rico in 1969 with music in his veins.

Carlos Enrique Lopez (Carlitos Lopez el gordito favorito), he begins to show interest in music in general, boleros and trios

The bomba, plena, jibara music which he listened to in the countryside when his uncles and aunts visited his family, they liked to play stringed instruments and harmony either the tres or the Puerto Rican cuatro and the symphony.

At the age of 7 he moved to his grandparents’ house to begin studying in elementary school in his native Puerto Rico, while studying in the afternoons he spent his time listening to Fania and its stars. Singers like Hector Lavoe, Cheo Feliciano, Ruben Blades, Ismael Rivera among others.

Courtesy of his cousin who was a loyal fan and collector of Willie Colon’s salsa etcetera, little by little he was learning to vocalize demonstrating the ability to learn to do vocals for the choir at that time he met a young Anthony Cruz for the first time and was impressed with his melodious voice, although they never shared in those days.

Carlos debuted at the age of 14 with an orchestra created by his cousin and some students of the vocational music school where he had the opportunity to accompany Santos Colon former singer Tito Puente, he decided to move back home to his parents where he met Anthony Cruz who lived on the same street where his parents lived, and who already belonged to the orchestra of Mario Ortiz and began to attend rehearsals, recordings and dances.

There he met a young Tony Vega, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Elias Lopez, Lalo Rodriguez, Dario Morales who encouraged him to take vocal lessons, but he never did for lack of time.

but he never made it due to lack of support from his parents because there were other hopes and expectations.

The teacher Mario Ortiz noticed his uneasiness and spoke casually with his parents, but the decision had already been made by his parents.

but the decision was already made by them leaving Carlos disenchanted with music and taking the decision to emigrate to the United States where he dedicated himself to the culinary arts for the rest of his life until 2004 when he met again with Anthony Cruz who already had a successful career as a soloist and was touring they spoke for a moment and that was enough to return to her first love, music.

Anthony Cruz introduces him to several of the musicians who accompanied him in that activity and the rest is history. He joins the orchestra as a chorus singer and debuts as a composer where he writes 4 songs for the production of a CD of the orchestra entitled Going solo under the musical direction of Harry Rios.

They gain the popularity and admiration of the salsa people playing in different parts of Central Florida, festivals, clubs, and discotheques.

They return and record a single Going Back to Old School on which Carlos dedicates a song to Israel Lopez Cachao titled 80 Year’s of Cachao with arrangement and direction by Luis Jungo Ortiz which had tremendous acceptance from the dancing public and the radio listeners, from there Carlos decides to retire from music again to continue his career in the culinary arts.

Until he receives a call from an old friend asking him to help him with the choirs because he was going to accompany different artists.

Carlos began to accompany different singers with that orchestra called La Predilecta as a chorus singer among which there were names of the height of Anthony Cruz, Lalo Rodriguez, Cano Estremera, Manolo Lezcano, Chamaco Rivera, Frankie Figueroa, Ommy Cardona, Paquito Acosta, Paquito Guzman, Hector Tricoche, Papo Cocote and many more.

Carlos has written several songs including a collaboration between Anthony Cruz and Danny Sanchez titled No Vale la pena Enamorarse with arrangement by Luis Jungo Ortiz.

In addition to a song titled Today again under the tutelage of Harry Rios sung by Danny Sanchez currently Carlos Enrique Lopez known as Carlitos (the favorite fatty) made his debut as a solo singer.

And is promoting the theme of his authorship entitled Me Enamore under the direction, arrangement and production of the master Luis Jungo Ortiz which has enjoyed a good reception on digital platforms, social networks and independent radio stations on the internet.

As Radio Brisa Tropical con the master Taíno Roldán, Radio Calidad de vida del Dr Ted, Top 98 radio with Richie Sanchez and also.

Que Siga la Fiesta

Carlos has just recorded a song of his authorship entitled Que Siga la Fiesta in collaboration with 2 talented gentlemen from Orlando Central Florida and Miami are Edwin el Calvito Reyes and Luis Jibarito de Jesus under the direction and arrangement of Mike Rivera The Professor in the studio 305 Imma Studio owned by music engineer Immanuel Ramirez which came out on April 20, 2021.

Facebook: Carlos Enrique López

 

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The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson

Antonio “Tony” Succar (Lima, May 18, 1986) is a Peruvian-American percussionist, composer, arranger, band leader and producer.

Succar was born in Lima, Peru. When he was two years old, his family emigrated to the United States and settled in Miami, Florida.

Among his relatives were several musicians who encouraged Succar to develop his own musical interests. The family’s musical tradition began with his paternal great-grandparents, Mexican composer Lauro D. Uranga and Spanish flamenco dancer Adelina Esteve Gregory.

Succar’s father, Antonio F. Succar, is a pianist and his mother Mimy Succar Tayrako Sakaguchi is a singer. Since he was 3 years old Tony started playing in The Peruvian Cajon, when Succar was 13, he started playing drums with his parents’ band when they played at weddings and other private and corporate functions, mainly in Miami, Florida, USA.

Succar attended Miami Sunset Senior High School in Miami-Dade County. At the time his ambition was to be a professional soccer player, and he played on several teams, including his high school team when it won the 2004 state championship. He later tried to earn a soccer scholarship to Florida International University. Unable to get a scholarship, he asked his father for study advice.

The advice he received was to apply to FIU’s School of Music.

Seeking an interview with the school’s drum instructor, he ended up auditioning for the Latin jazz ensemble and was quickly accepted. Succar earned a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Performance in 2008 and went on to study for a master’s degree, which he earned in 2010.

Succar already had an active musical career while still an undergraduate student. As a junior in college he took over as musical director of the family band, which he renamed Mixtura.

On September 21, 2010, Succar released an album recorded at his graduation recital, a live concert with Mixtura at the Wertheim Performing Arts Center in Miami. This CD/DVD contains a mix of Latin-influenced arrangements of classic jazz numbers and original material. It received numerous positive reviews including from Audiophile Audition5 and JazzChicago.

After graduating from FIU, Succar became artist-in-residence in 2012, and continued to work with the school’s music students on a number of projects. He is the youngest artist to ever hold this appointment at FIU.

Succar has worked with several prominent artists in Latin music genres. These include Tito Nieves, La India, Kevin Ceballo, Michael Stuart, Jon Secada, Jennifer Peña, Jean Rodriguez and Obie Bermudez, who collaborated with him on Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson.

The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson

Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson is a collaborative project to produce a musical tribute to Michael Jackson. In addition to live performances, the project plans to release an album consisting of 14 Jackson songs rewritten to include Latin influences, primarily salsa and Latin American rhythms, Succar, who was a long-term fan of Jackson’s work, is the founder and producer of the project. Unity launched in 2015 with a concert at Miami’s Olympia Theater sponsored and broadcast on PBS TV, 360 stations, primetime, Friday night at 9:00 p. m., and also sponsored by Universal Music Classic.

Unity features over 100 musicians, Latin superstars such as Tito Nieves, Jon Secada, La India, Obie Bermudez, Jennifer Pena, Michael Stuward, Angel Lopez, Sheila E., Judith Hill, Jean Rodriguez, Fernando Vargas, Maribel Diaz, Kevin Ceballo, hosted on PBS TV by Gloria Estefan, and the magic of Jackson’s legendary engineer, Bruce Swedien.

Succar’s sound is refined and distinctive. His up-tempo songs have an unmatched explosive energy, while his slower arrangements are soulful and captivate the listener with the intricate nuances that are signatures of his sound.

Tony is currently working on his next album and touring the world with his band.

He has performed at the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival (Aruba), the Ravinia Festival (Chicago), Auditorio Telmex (Mexico), Vivo Beach (Puerto Rico), Tempo Latino (France) and the 2019 Latin Grammy Awards (MGM Grand Las Vegas ), among others.

Contacts:

Youtube: tonysuccarofficial

www.tonysuccar.com

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The magic of a great musician is that he has the key to open your soul.  He takes you to a dimension full of happy emotions, you forget all your pain and troubles and you just dance!  For the Yoruba’s, one of the sons of Obatala, is Changó. He represents strength, virility, drums, music, fire, lightning, dance, justice, the need and joy for living.  If one person was all of that, it was Mr. Johnny Polanco.  Mr. Polanco is dearly remembered by all those whose life he touched.  This June 2nd marks the sixth year of his passing.   Altagracia and Socrates, from Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo were his parents.  They lived in the Bronx in New York.  Socrates was the owner of an auto mechanic shop.  This is probably where Johnny first came into contact with automobile engines.  He developed a passion for working with automobile engines.  Johnny graduated from Alfred E. Smith High School; a school reputed for teaching shops.  It’s very probable that he furthered his knowledge of engines there. His talent grew to engineering levels.  If anyone could fix a problem on an engine, it was Johnny.  All the musicians knew that if there was a problem, it was Johnny who could fix it for them. There’s a story about how DJ Robbie called Johnny at home one such time at around 3:00 am and Johnny got out of bed and went to his aid.   His other passion was music.  Johnny never attended music school.  He mastered a number of instruments, all on his own. Everyone says that around five years of age, he was given a guitar.  But it wasn’t until the age of ten, that he became serious in learning music.  At the age of fourteen, he was already playing with the Steve Colon band. He played with a number of New York groups, Charanga Sensual, Conjunto Saoco to name a few. Johnny had flat feet, but nonetheless in 1979 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp.  The Marine Corps capitalized on his knowledge of engines and assigned him to the motor pool. His early assignments were in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Parris Island, South Carolina, and Okinawa, Japan. Johnny was a patriotic American who loved and served his country.  Just before enlisting in the service at twenty-four, Marion Gonzalez gave birth to Christopher and three years later to Melody.  In 1980 the marines sent Johnny to the west coast, Camp Pendleton, California. Marion and Johnny married, but their union did not survive. Marion and Johnny had joint custody. Johnny’s visitation turn was usually from Fridays after school to Monday morning, returning them to school.  In 1984 Johnny was playing at the New Porter Inn, in Newport Beach, California.  That night he met Joanna, a lady from Bronx.  They say it was love at first sight.  On January 23, 1987 they married and she remained his companion for the rest of Johnny’s life.  Joanna worked as a Registered Nurse and had two children of her own, Angela and Anthony Wheaton.  They made their home in Lakewood, California, where they had all their four children together on the weekends.  They were fortunate, because the kids all got along well. Some called them the Brady Bunch.

The long full gear marches and Johnny’s flat feet became a problem. In 1987, with the rank of E-5 sergeant, Johnny decided to be a full-time musician and separated from the Marines.  Close to their Lakewood home Johnny took a daytime job working for Mr. Tom Scott a Union 76 service station owner. Johnny stayed with Tom for next six years, when Tom sold in 1992.  The job was conveniently within walking distance of his Lakewood home.

In Hollywood, there was a Vietnam disabled veteran who had been studying business, Armando Castro.  Completing his studies, Armando opened a small restaurant. Although of Nicaraguan origin, Armando decided to serve Cuban food and named the restaurant El Floridita. On Monday nights they started to play Salsa.  Cali Aleman was the first band that played.

In 1993 Orquesta Versatil was playing on Monday nights. It was then that Armando Castro introduced Johnny to the band leader, Carlos Navarro.  At the time Versatil was a popular, strong, well liked band and Johnny fitted right in.  Then things started to happen, the band leader Carlos had to fly to Venezuela, also the arranger Niño Jesus Alejandro went to Canada. So, they held a meeting with Armando.  “mete mano Johnny, put a band together and take over.”  For the next 22 years Johnny played Monday night with his Conjunto Amistad at El Floridita.   Johnny’s band was in demand.

Albert Torres was a consultant and MC to over 50 yearly Salsa Congress’ around the world.  Albert had a lot of connections and started to manage Johnny for some 15 years.  With Albert’s connections the band played in Japan, England, Italy, Spain, China, Thailand, Mexico, Costa Rica to name a few.  Everyone was busy with little time to spare, eventually Johnny started handling his own bookings and the relationship with Albert just disappeared.

In business they always say location, location, location! Nothing could be truer than that for “El Floridita.”  You see folks, this little restaurant in a small strip mall, is just across the street from … Pickford Center.  What’s Pickford Center? It’s the film industry Academy of Arts.  You know the “Oscars!”  The clientele boasted of directors, writers, producers, actors like Patrick Swayze, Jay Leno, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, Robert Duvall, Mick Jagger, Edward Olmos to name a few.  They didn’t just go there to eat; it was the film industry’s connection to Salsa and the work just poured in.  Johnny played for Hugh Heffner at the Playboy mansion and also the Playboy Jazz Festival. Prince chose Johnny to be his opening act in Las Vegas.  Johnny did the music for countless films (see bio).    When a victorious general was paraded in Rome, above his head, a slave would hold the laurel reave, while at the same time continuously whispering “this too shall pass.” The idea was to keep him grounded. Johnny didn’t need that.  He was a man who saw the injustice in the world and was always looking out for the little guy, the underdog.  He was a man who shared the wealth.  Many remember how Johnny would call them to give their bands work.  To this day many a story is told about how Johnny helped them out.  He was a man who in his car, would carry cat food and milk to feed the strays.  May God bless you in heaven Johnny.  We remember you as a kind man who loved and cared for the poor.   His accomplishments were so many that we created a link for you to view the photos and also his biography of recognitions and accomplishments.

Changó

The magic of a great musician is that he has the key to open your soul.  He takes you to a dimension full of happy emotions, you forget all your pain and troubles and you just dance!  For the Yoruba’s, one of the sons of Obatala, is Changó. He represents strength, virility, drums, music, fire, lightning, dance, justice, the need and joy for living.  If one person was all of that, it was Mr. Johnny Polanco.  Mr. Polanco is dearly remembered by all those whose life he touched.  This June 2nd marks the sixth year of his passing.  Altagracia and Socrates, from Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo were his parents.  They lived in the Bronx in New York.  Socrates was the owner of an auto mechanic shop.  This is probably where Johnny first came into contact with automobile engines.  He developed a passion for working with automobile engines.  Johnny graduated from Alfred E. Smith High School; a school reputed for teaching shops.  It’s very probable that he furthered his knowledge of engines there. His talent grew to engineering levels.  If anyone could fix a problem on an engine, it was Johnny.  All the musicians knew that if there was a problem, it was Johnny who could fix it for them. There’s a story about how DJ Robbie called Johnny at home one such time at around 3:00 am and Johnny got out of bed and went to his aid.
His other passion was music.  Johnny never attended music school.  He mastered a number of instruments, all on his own. Everyone says that around five years of age, he was given a guitar.  But it wasn’t until the age of ten, that he became serious in learning music.  At the age of fourteen, he was already playing with the Steve Colon band. He played with a number of New York groups, Charanga Sensual, Conjunto Saoco to name a few.
Johnny had flat feet, but nonetheless in 1979 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp.  The Marine Corps capitalized on his knowledge of engines and assigned him to the motor pool. His early assignments were in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Parris Island, South Carolina, and Okinawa, Japan. Johnny was a patriotic American who loved and served his country.  Just before enlisting in the service at twenty-four, Marion Gonzalez gave birth to Christopher and three years later to Melody.  In 1980 the marines sent Johnny to the west coast, Camp Pendleton, California. Marion and Johnny married, but their union did not survive. Marion and Johnny had joint custody. Johnny’s visitation turn was usually from Fridays after school to Monday morning, returning them to school.
In 1984 Johnny was playing at the New Porter Inn, in Newport Beach, California.  That night he met Joanna, a lady from Bronx.  They say it was love at first sight.  On January 23, 1987 they married and she remained his companion for the rest of Johnny’s life.  Joanna worked as a Registered Nurse and had two children of her own, Angela and Anthony Wheaton.  They made their home in Lakewood, California, where they had all their four children together on the weekends.  They were fortunate, because the kids all got along well. Some called them the Brady Bunch.

The long full gear marches and Johnny’s flat feet became a problem. In 1987, with the rank of E-5 sergeant, Johnny decided to be a full-time musician and separated from the Marines.  Close to their Lakewood home Johnny took a daytime job working for Mr. Tom Scott a Union 76 service station owner. Johnny stayed with Tom for next six years, when Tom sold in 1992.  The job was conveniently within walking distance of his Lakewood home.

In Hollywood, there was a Vietnam disabled veteran who had been studying business, Armando Castro.  Completing his studies, Armando opened a small restaurant. Although of Nicaraguan origin, Armando decided to serve Cuban food and named the restaurant El Floridita. On Monday nights they started to play Salsa.  Cali Aleman was the first band that played.

In 1993 Orquesta Versatil was playing on Monday nights. It was then that Armando Castro introduced Johnny to the band leader, Carlos Navarro.  At the time Versatil was a popular, strong, well liked band and Johnny fitted right in.  Then things started to happen, the band leader Carlos had to fly to Venezuela, also the arranger Niño Jesus Alejandro went to Canada. So, they held a meeting with Armando.  “mete mano Johnny, put a band together and take over.”  For the next 22 years Johnny played Monday night with his Conjunto Amistad at El Floridita.   Johnny’s band was in demand.

Albert Torres was a consultant and MC to over 50 yearly Salsa Congress’ around the world.  Albert had a lot of connections and started to manage Johnny for some 15 years.  With Albert’s connections the band played in Japan, England, Italy, Spain, China, Thailand, Mexico, Costa Rica to name a few.  Everyone was busy with little time to spare, eventually Johnny started handling his own bookings and the relationship with Albert just disappeared.

In business they always say location, location, location! Nothing could be truer than that for “El Floridita.”  You see folks, this little restaurant in a small strip mall, is just across the street from … Pickford Center.  What’s Pickford Center? It’s the film industry Academy of Arts.  You know the “Oscars!”  The clientele boasted of directors, writers, producers, actors like Patrick Swayze, Jay Leno, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, Robert Duvall, Mick Jagger, Edward Olmos to name a few.  They didn’t just go there to eat; it was the film industry’s connection to Salsa and the work just poured in.  Johnny played for Hugh Heffner at the Playboy mansion and also the Playboy Jazz Festival. Prince chose Johnny to be his opening act in Las Vegas.  Johnny did the music for countless films (see bio).
When a victorious general was paraded in Rome, above his head, a slave would hold the laurel reave, while at the same time continuously whispering “this too shall pass.” The idea was to keep him grounded. Johnny didn’t need that.  He was a man who saw the injustice in the world and was always looking out for the little guy, the underdog.  He was a man who shared the wealth.  Many remember how Johnny would call them to give their bands work.  To this day many a story is told about how Johnny helped them out.  He was a man who in his car, would carry cat food and milk to feed the strays.  May God bless you in heaven Johnny.  We remember you as a kind man who loved and cared for the poor.
His accomplishments were so many that we created a link for you to view the photos and also his biography of recognitions and accomplishments.

By: Eduardo Guilarte & Karina Garcia

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