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Harry Fraticelli Virtuoso on guitar, requinto and bass Music for All Occasions

Latin America / Puerto Rico

Harry Fraticelli. Its birthplace was the city of Yauco, Puerto Rico

Its birthplace was the city of Yauco, Puerto Rico on July 6th. He is so proud of it that he proclaims it in every place he visits.

His older brothers distinguished themselves by playing stringed instruments. They would play threesome tunes to lull Harry to sleep during his childhood.

That’s how Harry’s love and inclination to the peculiar strings of the guitar grew.

He demonstrated his ability to play stringed instruments correctly at the age of 12, his brother tutored him in traditional Serenades.

He played the “Maracas” and was the First Voice of the Trio in those performances.

Harry along with his brother Julio Erving and Jose Luis (Cheli) Padilla moved to San Juan in 1962. They formed the Trio Los Altairos.

How many artists of that time debuted in the Tribuna del Arte Program of Don Rafael Quiñones Vidal. They won First Prize and Harry was recognized with a professional musician.

Thus he expanded his musical art. He learned to write musical arrangements, play bass and various string instruments. He stood out as the first voice in the trios. He cultivated and perfected his style with self-discipline.

He joined the pop ballad group Aidita Viles and Los Del Río with Máximo Torres in 1964. They presented their musical show at the Caribe Hilton Hotel for several years. They also performed in all the towns of Puerto Rico.

The maestro, Máximo Torres offered him the great opportunity to record as a soloist in 1969. Maximo created the band “Los Barbarians” and with them Harry recorded his first album with the title “El Mamito”. The song “El Mamito” included in that album was the one that made him famous and internationally recognized as a performer in the Salsa genre.

He then recorded the bolero “Te Pido Perdón” with great success. The song “Temeridad” became one of the public’s favorites very soon. Harry Fraticelli and Los Barbarians participated in recordings and performances with distinguished figures of Puerto Rican entertainment such as: Héctor Lavoe, Richie Ray, Bobby Cruz, Willie Colón, José Miguel Agrelot and Tito Rodríguez, among others.

Harry was the moderator of two radio programs in Yauco. He interviewed great figures of Puerto Rican entertainment such as the illustrious composer Don Pedro Flores, comedians José Miguel Agrelot and Adalberto Rodríguez “Machuchal”, among others.

The phrase “in recognition of being a Yaucano who through music has raised the name of the people who saw him born” have left in Harry a pleasant and unforgettable memory. The protocol acts were in February 2004.

Harry Fraticelli Virtuoso on guitar, requinto and bass Music for All Occasions — The Virtuous Harry Fraticelli

He has participated in multitudinous artistic spectacles next to recognized figures of our show business: Cristian Castro, Chucho Avellanet, Danny Rivera, Ednita Nazario, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Julio Ángel, Lucecita Benítez, Manny Manuel, Máximo Torres y Los Murcianos, Papo Valle and his Trío Borinquen, Pijúan and Los Baby Boomer Boys, Tato Díaz and his Drim Tim Trío, Tavín Pumarejo, Trío Los de San Juan, among others.

He has displayed his musical talent in prestigious hotels such as the Caribe Hilton, Condado Plaza, Courtyard Marriott, Embassy Suites, Four Points By Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, La Concha, Marriott, Radisson, Ritz Carlton, Sheraton Convention Center, Travelodge, etc.

He participates as a professional singer in the group Los Baby Boomer Boys. He participated in the two recordings of the CDs: “Bohemia Bailable” 2010 and “Solo Pa’ Los Jóvenes de Corazón” 2014.

The outstanding salsa musician Joe Quijano invited him to join as a singer in 2011 for the musical production with unreleased songs by Tite Curet Alonso. He performed as a soloist the song “Te Amé”, in the salsa genre on the CD, “Lo Inédito de Tite Curet Alonso 50 Años Después”, in duet with Paquito Guzmán on “Nube Negra” and participated in the chorus.

He has performed as a soloist in fifteen (15) musical productions during his professional career, but has participated in countless recordings as a Guitarist, Requintist, First, Second and Third Voice.

As a trios music lover he offered his time for several years in the position of Secretary of the “Puerto Rico Trios Music Foundation”.

He participated in the program “Así Canta Puerto Rico”, with the prestigious producer Luis Vigoreaux, Son, transmitted by Channel 6 and in the United States by WAPA AMERICA. She was the First Guitar and Second Voice of the beloved artist Tavín Pumarejo during the last 20 years of Tavín’s artistic career. They played typical Puerto Rican music and boleros.

Harry was the Music Director on the musical project “El Gran Sentimiento de Fufi Santori” (Fufi Santori’s Greatest Feeling) which contains eleven (11) songs by Puerto Rican sports star, José “Fufi” Santori (RIP). The CD was released in May 2011.

The phrase "in recognition of being a Yaucano who through music has raised the name of the people who saw him born" have left in Harry a pleasant and unforgettable memory. The protocol acts were in February 2004 — Harry Fraticelli has made fifteen (15) musical productions as a soloist during his professional career

Harry was awarded by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture with the Trio Musician of the Year Award in its 18th edition. The events took place at the Paseo de las Artes in Caguas in February 2013.

He produced his CD Harry Fraticelli y sus Amigos on 11/2013. He performs traditional tunes as a soloist, with his Trio and shared honors with the incomparable Tavín Pumarejo who agreed to come out of his self-retreat to participate. Harry and Tavín formed the “Dúo Poca-Jontas” which was very popular with their fans in Puerto Rico and the United States.

The Casa Museo de la Música Amaury Veray in Yauco included Harry in the Galería de Músicos Yaucanos on 10/2014. He is listed alongside such famous compueblanos in the art of music as Amaury Veray, Kike Lucca and Johnny Albino among others.

The song Son Pa’ Barrio Obrero and other of his hits continue to be heard in Colombia. The successful presentation of 3/2014 in Cali, Colombia revived in Harry the desire to return to his roots in “Salsa”.

That was why he decided to record a single with the starring participation of the talented Jerry Rivas on the Tres. The single includes the bolero rhythmic Flor Pálida and Puras Mentiras in the Salsa genre.

Harry Fraticelli was chosen among more than 500 international singers for the Maximum Image Award 2014-2015 in the category Voice International Impact of Venezuela in July 2015. He competed with prestigious singers such as Franco De Vita, Chayanne, Myriam Hernandez, Valeria Lynch, Ricardo Arjona, Samuel Hernandez, among others. He obtained an honorable second place with the highest vote obtained by a Puerto Rican until 2015.

Harry conducted for 2 years the program “Harry Fraticelli De Todo un Poco” in (Emisora Sol Latina de Buenos Aires) through the “Web” since 2015. His audience was over half a million people on the Internet.

It participated in the 60th Cali Fair in December 2017 on a spectacular stage. There he presented his concert in front of an audience of more than 10,000 people. Harry felt great emotion when he noticed the large audience and began to sing the song “Soñando con Puerto Rico”. He was accompanied by the BoleOro Orchestra conducted by Carlos Cordoba from Cali, Colombia.

Harry conducted for 2 years the program "Harry Fraticelli De Todo un Poco" at www.emisorasollatina.com — Harry Fraticellis is the Music Director of Harry Fraticelli and his

He is the Musical Director of Harry Fraticelli and his Trio which he maintains simultaneously with his other artistic projects. They perform in hotels and in private activities.

He offers musical and cultural shows with varied options:

– Harry Fraticelli “One Band Man”

– Harry Fraticelli in Bohemia

– Harry Fraticelli to Duo

– Harry Fraticelli and his Trio

– Harry Fraticelli and his Combo

– Harry Fraticelli and his Conjunto de Música Típica

– Harry Fraticelli and The New Barbarians

He produces and hosts his weekly program Harry Fraticelli y sus Amigos on Radio WIPR Maxima 940 AM with interviews to personalities of our show, anecdotes and live songs with a large local and international audience since 2/2018.

Harry Fraticelli returns to the stage with his new CD that includes Salsa Gorda, Son Montuno and Boleros with the title Harry Fraticelli y Los Nuevos Barbarians.

He has the participation of Gilberto Santa Rosa, Jerry Rivas and Tony Rivas’ choirs and a select group of excellent musicians. He hopes to complete the production in 2020.

(The recording has been stopped due to the Covid Pandemic)

He returned to producing and conducting the Harry Fraticelli Show De Todo Un Poco y Más… on Thursdays at 8:00 P. M. Sol Latina Broadcast (www.emisorasollatina.com.ar) on 6/2020.

Although he remains isolated by COVID’s Pandemic regulations, as soon as conditions allowed he organized a Bohemia for Paquito Guzman during his convalescence. Together with Gilberto Santa Rosa, Jerry Rivas made the great bolero player Paquito Guzmán vibrate with emotion. (https://youtu.be/OnBN851O9DQ )

That day, Paquito Guzmán asked for another bohemian to be brought to him, but with the songs of his idol Cheíto González. He did the same and was pleased with the San Juan Trio (Luis Díaz, Tony Bermúdez and Harry Fraticelli). That day he enjoyed the improvement in his health and they managed to get Paquito Guzmán to join the trio on several occasions. (https://youtu.be/wXDgmdVWMI8 )

Harry has mastered the performance of ALL tropical genres, has the virtue of integrating with other singers and musicians without rehearsal. He is distinguished in the musical environment as a virtuoso in the Guitar, in the Requinto and in the Bass. In addition, he plays the Maracas perfectly.

Harry is multifaceted, a stanchion, has a high level of performance and is very professional. His artistic talents, his human quality in combination with his musical knowledge have earned him respect and high esteem locally and internationally.

He is also an exemplary citizen with an excellent reputation. He has kept his professional and personal life free of scandals or negative remarks.

Harry Fraticelli is grateful for the appreciation, support for his artistic career and positive feedback he receives through social networks and in his activities.

Harry Fraticelli returns to the stage with his new CD that includes Salsa Gorda, Son Montuno and Boleros with the title Harry Fraticelli y Los Nuevos Barbarians. — It has the participation of Gilberto Santa Rosa, Jerry Rivas and Tony Rivas’ choirs and a select group of excellent musicians. He hopes to complete the production in 2020

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6 artists who helped make Latin Music successful in the United States

The success of Latin Music in the United States

Some artists have taken Latin music to another level. They fell in love with the public on American borders and helped shape the market as we know it today. We will tell you more details!

Latino immigrants who made their way into the United States gave way to Hispanic music as it is known today.

The Argentine tango, for example, was a success in the US in 1930 and is considered the first Latin genre to have participation on American soil. As you can imagine, from then on a movement was born that is here to stay. At the end of the 90s, this musical boom finished exploding. The numbers were increasing and more and more artists were honoring their Latin roots.

Currently, the industry numbers give prominence to Latin artists, having a greater incidence when they present their songs in Spanish. Also, there are a large number of versions that have been translated into English and are heard in renowned venues. In fact, it is enough to go to a nightclub or a Latin concert in iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden, located in New York or American Airlines Arena in Miami to check acceptance by the public. How much ground have they gained to have a leading role in the most powerful country in the world?

La Guarachera del Mundo - Latin America — Celia Cruz is well known all around the latin world

The road has not been easy, it has been marked by countless artists who, little by little, were making known the rhythms of Caribbean countries. Salsa, for example, was one of the most popular rhythms at the time. Starting in 1960, it was catapulted into the United States, paving the way for Latina artists who are now considered legends of the genre. Celia Cruz, Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, Johnny Pacheco, among others, marked a before and after in the industry.

Today we want to talk about some famous singers who set the tone and promoted the careers of other Hispanics.

6 Latino artists who paved the way for new generations

Emilio Estefan, Cuba

The Cuban was born in 1953 and arrived in the United States at the end of 1960, from Spain. Estefan always had musical interests. Although, in principle he had to work in other areas. He formed the band “Miami Latin Boys”, which would later be called “Miami Sound Machine”. Thanks to his different presentations, he met Gloria Fajardo, today known as Gloria Estefan, who accompanied them as vocal reinforcement. No one imagined that this singer would become their life partner.

Despite the success of the group, it is other achievements of the artist that place him in this category. Emilio Estefan soon established himself as a producer for Latin American artists and contributed to Gloria Estefan’s success as a soloist. He quickly became known within the industry, working with artists such as Charliee Zaa, Cristian Castro, and Carlos Vives.

In 2002, Estefan became a producer for the Latin Grammy Awards, an annual event that awards artistic excellence for productions in Spanish, Portuguese or other languages of Hispanic countries.

Emilio Estefan and his wife have been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the United States, the highest honor in the country, due to their work in the training of artists and projection of Latin music in the world.

Celia Cruz, Cuba

Celia Cruz, began her career in her native Cuba. She excelled in tropical music and was known as “The queen of salsa.” During her first years of career, she stood out in her country, and later ventured into Mexico and the United States. She moved to the US and at the end of the 70s she joined the Fania All-Stars, along with other artists, fully joining salsa. In 1987, her star was debuted on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Cruz is part of a legacy that will continue throughout history. Her songs remain current and are part of the heritage of Latin America. She was nominated for two Grammys and three Latin Grammys.

The Postal Service of the United States included it in a selected group of five stamps, destined to the greats of Latin music; together with Selena, Tito Puente, Carmen Miranda and Carlos Gardel.

Selena, Mexico

The singer was born in the United States and was of Mexican descent. Her genre leaned toward ranchera, Mexican cumbia, and ballads. Selena is known as “the queen of Latin music” and has exceeded 70 million records worldwide.

In the 1990s, the US Billboard magazine named her “the most influential and best-selling Latin artist.” In addition, she is credited with catapulting Latin music in the United States and the world. Selena featured five albums ranked on the Billboard 200 at the same time. Her album Live (1993) won a Grammy for best Mexican-American music album, leaving behind the paradigms of those who considered the Tejano musical style as exclusive to men.

Selena was murdered in 1995. A great loss to show business. Her fans still regret her departure and imagine what she could achieve thanks to your talent. However, it leaves a very broad legacy for Latinos. After her death, she continues to be an example and inspiration for those who want to enter the market.

Juan Luis Guerra, Dominican Republic

The Billboard Winner Juan Luis Guerra — An Artist who help the genre in USA

Juan Luis Guerra is one of the most recognized Latin artists in the world. In the United States, he has been the recipient of 24 Latin Grammys, three Latin Billboard Awards and two American Grammys. He has recorded in Portuguese, English and, of course, in Spanish.

She trained at the largest private music college in the world, Berklee College of Music, in Boston. Earning a degree in jazz composition.

Guerra has made different tours of the US obtaining a box office record. He is a recognized exponent in the genre of merengue and bachata. In 2015, he collaborated with the financing of the Juan Luis Guerra Scholarship, presented by the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation for a low-income student.

The singer is of Dominican origin and today he works as a composer, arranger, musician and producer.

Héctor Lavoe, Puerto Rico

Considered one of the best salseros of all time. He is credited with helping to bring about the genre’s golden age in New York. In addition, to expand the popularity of salsa in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

In New York City, he takes his first steps as a bolero vocalist to make his way in what would be a great musical career. The Puerto Rican’s success kept on rising, he sang with the famous Willie Colón and together they toured different stages. Lavoe was also part of the Fania All Stars, a salsa and Latin music group. The Singer, as he was also baptized, died on June 29, 1993. He left an unforgettable musical legacy in the United States and the world; his songs and style are inspiration for many salsa performers today.

Marc Anthony, United States

For many, it could come as a great surprise that an American artist has such a marked and extraordinary Latin musical rhythm. However, his parents are Puerto Rican and he grew up with part of this culture. Marc Anthony is a singer of ballads, pop, salsa and bolero; ambassador of Latin music and culture.

When he began his career, many doubted whether he would be successful in Latin music.

“My career was not easy at first, because I neither looked nor sounded like the ‘typical salsero’. My sound was not considered usual for purists, ”he told The Associated Press.

The singer and actor has sponsored young talents such as Luis Figueroa, a Latino who was just beginning his career in the artistic medium. In addition, it has sold more than 30 million records around the world. Received 2 Grammys and 7 Latin Grammys. Marc Anthony has many fans worldwide. However, Latinos have a very special appreciation for him. In 2012, he started the Maestro Cares Foundation, to raise funds to build orphanages in Latin America.

If we wanted to mention those musicians to whom the expansion of Latin music is due, the list would be endless. Infinity of people who overcame cultural barriers to carry the name of their country, its rhythms and culture high. Currently, the city of Miami is considered as the starting point. The first contact of the young musicians, before venturing to the rest of the country. In addition, the same experts call it “the epicenter of the Latin industry.” This is due to the number of media, producers, multinationals and locals that are willing to open their doors to them and boost their talent.

Latin music represents an industry that does not stop, is profitable and is taking more and more space in the United States. Therefore, a decline is not expected in the coming years.

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Jimmie Morales a conguero for the history of Afro-Caribbean music

Jimmie Morales was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Puerto Rican parents

Jimmie Morales was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Puerto Rican parents.

He spent his early childhood listening to American popular music on the radio, and it wasn’t until 1967, when his family moved to Puerto Rico, that he became fascinated with Caribbean music, especially the salsa genre.

Jimmie’s first foray into music was with the guitar, but his father gave him a bell and, later, a conga drum that would become his main artistic fascination.

He learned of his interest by listening to Cuban, Puerto Rican and New York salsa records; also to congueros such as Milton Cardona, Eddie Montalvo, Patato Valdés, Cándido Camero, Mongo Santamaría, Johnny Rodríguez and his favorite: the late Ray Barretto.

In a very short time, he found himself making inroads with local bands, and sharing his talent with the renowned singer Tito Allen.

Jimmie Morales' memoirs Mr. Slap — Jimmie Morales Mr. Slap

Jimmie Morales and his experience with Willie Rosario

In 1978, Jimmie joined the popular rhythmic band of maestro Willie Rosario, and for eight years obtained what he considers his best formal training in the music industry.

Concurrently, he began an impressive career as a top-level studio musician, achieving outstanding participation in performances by the most important artists of the salsa genre, including Marc Anthony, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Roberto Roena, Oscar D’León, Lalo Rodríguez, Eddie Santiago and Frankie Ruiz, with whom he collaborated on each and every one of his solo recordings.

The sound of this great percussionist, his impeccable rhythm and his solid accompaniment defined him and have placed him convincingly as one of the most influential congueros of the last 30 years.

As if that were not enough, this talented conguero enjoys the genuine respect and appreciation of the Puerto Rican people and salsa connoisseurs worldwide — Jimmie has also accompanied great artists such as Willie Colón, Ismael Miranda, Tito Nieves, Juan Luis Guerra, Grupo Niche and Jerry Rivera

Trajectory with Gilberto Santa Rosa

In 1986, he joined a young Gilberto Santa Rosa, who had left Mr. Willie Rosario’s band to become the most prolific salsa singer in the last 25 years.

Since then he has traveled throughout the Americas, Europe, Japan, Taiwan and South America offering percussion workshops and accompanying different artists in a consistent and successful career as a percussionist. Jimmie Morales has also accompanied great artists such as Willie Colón, Ismael Miranda, Tito Nieves, Juan Luis Guerra, Grupo Niche and Jerry Rivera, among others.

He is currently promoting his line of congas sponsored by the Remo Company. As if that were not enough, this talented conguero enjoys the genuine respect and appreciation of the Puerto Rican and Latin American people. His humility, his affable treatment and his charisma, together with his musical virtuosity, make him worthy of an indisputable place in the history of salsa.

In 1986, he joined a young Gilberto Santa Rosa, who had left Mr. Willie Rosario's band to become the most prolific salsa singer in the last 25 years. — Jimmie Morales is currently promoting his conga line sponsored by the Remo Company

Since then, he has traveled throughout the American continent, Europe, Japan, Taiwan and South America offering percussion workshops and accompanying different artists in a consistent and successful career as a percussionist.

Jimmie has also accompanied great artists such as Willie Colón, Ismael Miranda, Tito Nieves, Juan Luis Guerra, Grupo Niche and Jerry Rivera, among others. He is currently promoting his line of congas sponsored by the Remo Company.

As if that were not enough, this talented conguero enjoys the genuine respect and appreciation of the Puerto Rican people and of salsa connoisseurs worldwide. His humility, his affable treatment and his charisma, together with his musical virtuosity, make him worthy of an indisputable place in the history of salsa.

A conguero for history Jimmie Morales’ memoirs

“Mr. Slap”

Bella Martínez (Author)

That originality of Willie Rosario must have influenced Jimmie's impeccable style. — Jimmie paid for the luck that accompanied him at that crucial moment with an immense dose of vocation.

When all the congueros were imitating the king of the hard hands, Ray Barreto, Jimmie manages without intending to be the one chosen by the master Willie Rosario to accompany with the conga the tuning that Rosario had already established.

That Willie Rosario originality must have influenced Jimmie’s impeccable style.

Let’s not forget that when all timbaleros were imitating maestro Tito Puente, that irreverent coameño – maestro of maestros Willie Rosario knew how to be original.

Jimmie repaid the fate that accompanied him at that crucial moment with an immense dose of vocation.

And that stroke of luck in the leather didn’t manage to erase the humility of his being.

I invite you to read what I have managed to compile about Jimmie Morales, whom, with your authorization, I show in this work that pretends to be a summary of the life and work of this incredible musician.

Here you will also see that in spite of his perennial shy smile, his hands of stone do not give a break nor allow tropical music to ignore his monumental influence.

Jimmie, the human being who communicates through the leather of his conga, presents us with the musical strength he continues to share with the world. I am deeply grateful for the introspection and candor of his testimony.

I recognize that I am fortunate that Jimmie has agreed to give me part of his voice and to perpetuate this story. I insist that it was a sin not to share this legacy before, but now it was Mister Slap who beat the drum.

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The Five Most Influential Latin Artists of 2020

These are the top latin names of this year

The times are changing, influencers and new talents are gaining ground within the industry. Meet some of the most influential latin artists of 2020!

Latin America has been the birthplace of singers, songwriters, producers, and artists that have taken their talent to the USA and the rest of the world. With their flags held high and their nationalism deep rooted, they have been the ones that impulse their culture in North America and Canada, that way they have opened many opportunities to the next generations.

2020 was a year of challenges and so many changes, however some personalities from the media industry didn’t give up. Many of them took advantage to work on projects that they had in mind, and surprised their fans. While others were dedicated to remember their biggest hits, and used digital platforms to perform remote concerts. For this reason, we want to mention and give recognition to five latin artists that keep afloat during this year; they were revelations, and got a larger scope that anyone could have imagined.

Five Most Influential Latin Artists of 2020

Manny Cruz

The Dominican with Cuban origins has been one of the exposures of his genre, that has known how to take advantage of his fame to position himself within the media. He was the Dominican artist with more nominations on the Latin Grammy.

“The Lord loves so much and I feel so grateful with these two nominations. And very happy of how the people had embraced my music, and to be able to contribute a little to our merengue history”, expressed the artist.

Manny Cruz one of the most influential Latin Artists of 2020 — Manny Cruz

Cruz ‘s career has been on the rise, because it doesn’t leave space to anybody. During this year he had made collabs with Ilegales, Miriam Cruz, and a tribute to Juan Luis Guerra. He also has shared projects with the merenguero Eddy Herrera.

After being part of several groups, he decided to try a solo career without knowing what his destiny, and talent had prepared for him: he obtained the award for Solo Singer of The Year in the “Premios Soberanos”. In 2017 he was the winner of a Latin Grammy, thanks to writing together with his brother Daniel Santacruz, the single “Deja Vu” for Prince Royce and Shakira. In 2018 he got three awards at “Premios Soberanos”.

Manny has specialized in merengue and pop-ballad, he is a singer and songwriter. “Santo Domingo” is his latest music video, which has gained more than 2 million of views on YouTube. More and more are the singers that want to share their works with him, and of course have the opportunity to count on him as a songwriter. He is one the young musicians that are here to stay, and he is now well placed among the american audience, and spanish speakers.

Nathy Peluso

Another singer that has broken barriers, and has gained a position within the industry is Nathalia Dora, better known as Nathy Peluso. Even when she is only 25 years old, she is already a trendsetter in different musical genres. She is acclaimed for her fusions with rap, hip-hop, jazz, and salsa, a combination that is only possible for a woman like her. She was born in Argentina, and she was one of the honor guests invited to this year Latin Grammy.

She is a singer, songwriter, and started her career from very young. She studied theater with teachers from Dominican Republic, Cuba and Colombia. That way she took their accents, and it can be noted on the majority of her singles. She is inclined for blues and jazz styles.

Even when she is living in Spain, it has surprised the acceptance of her music in Latin America and the USA. 2020 has been her year, she released her first single of her next album: Business Woman, with which she wants to continue showing her strong side, and consolidate her place within the industry. Plus, she got her very first nomination to the Gardel Awards, and two nominations to the Latin Grammy in Best New Artist and Best Alternative Song categories.

Peluso has become one of the most important latin artists of the musical scene. She sings about feminism, sex, and even politics.

“Women let me know that I am an inspiration to them”, expressed the artist.

Prince Royce

Prince has been another musician that hasn’t stopped this year. He has topped the first places on Billboard, and was nominated to the Latin Grammy 2020 as Best Contemporary Album / Tropical Fusion. Alter Ego is the double album that makes him stay on everybody’s minds. Many important talents participated in this album, around 60 songwriters, 21 musicians, 23 songs, 18 musical producers, and it has obtained different golden and platinum records around the world. Beside that, it was the only album to debut on the number one of the latin Billboard list of 2020.

The Latin Music Academy considered him as one of the most consistent artists that has been kept loyal to his fans and his origins. The bachata singer has evolved over his career, and he keeps showing his versatility on the market. Geoffrey Royce Rojas de León is an American singer, songwriter, and music producer with Dominican origins.

Tonny Succar

Antonio Guillermo Succar better known as Tonny Succar is a Peruvian-American songwriter, arranger, percussionist, band leader, and producer. In 2019, he received the Latin Grammy for Best Salsa Album, and a second award as the Producer of the Year. As a young boy, he auditioned for a latin jazz ensemble in his school, and of course he got his desired position. Then, he went on to assume the family band’s Musical Director position, which was named Mixtura. After graduation he continued as an artist, and teaching other music students.

His talent went beyond borders, and had the opportunity to work with renowned artists such as: La India, Tito Nieves, Michael Stuart, Jon Secada, Obie Bermúdez, and Kevin Ceballo. He was also the crucial piece in a tribute to Michael Jackson, this project was a great chance for him to be close to artists that he admired. Succar is still forming, and is planning to be part of a musical legacy that goes beyond borders.

“If you don’t take the opportunity when it has to be, the train will leave” he commented after getting the Latin Grammy.

Tito Puente Jr.

He always knew that his career would be compared to his father’s, and he was very clear that it won’t be easy to reach that level. For that reason he decided to make his own name with his own identity. From very young he participated in different bands including a rock one. That way Tito Jr. formed his own trajectory and now is well known within the industry.

However he is continuing his father’s legacy at performing several of his most famous songs. He also has never doubted making tributes to his father, with different events for youngs and children where they learn to play different instruments. Tito was born in New York on June 2nd,1971, he is 49 years old, and has several albums of his own. He is very proud of his origins, but at the same time he has created his own name.

“I have my father ‘s spirit”, he said proudly.

This new generation is promising to hold their countries’ names high with passion, enthusiasm, and so much commitment.

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That’s how the Latin Grammys were

The 21st edition of the Latin Grammy

As expected, due to the global pandemic situation that hit us this year, the awarding of the 21st edition of the Latin Grammy was held online. In this way, neither the public nor the red carpet had participation this year. Some creatives recreated them in their homes and took the opportunity to take their respective photography.

The gala was held in the city of Miami with headquarters in other cities in Latin America. Several of the artists’ participations were also carried out under this modality.

The musical presentations were opened by the J Balvin show, one of the great favorites of the night. Who also broke a Guinness record for more nominations, surpassing the title obtained by Calle 13 in 2011. To receive his gramophone, he was dressed in black and then appeared in white. He interpreted the song “Rojo” and dedicated it to those who have had to fight against the COVID-19 virus. Balvin has recognized that this situation has affected him seriously and he has been immersed in depressive pictures.

“My heart is crying,” Balvin commented.

To the surprise of many, his heart actually turned the color of blood. His suit was dyed through some internal mechanism but leaving a large red stain on Balvin’s suit. Really, it seemed like his chest was bleeding incessantly.

J Balvin bled in the stage of the Latin Grammys

“Music humanizes us” was the theme of this year’s meeting. With the singer’s presentation, many were stunned and very sensitive. What did you think of his form of expression?
Natalia Jiménez paid tribute to Julio Iglesias, while the great Hector Lavoe also received recognition. Ricardo Montaner, Ivy Queen and Rauw Alejandro led the tribute.

Jesús Navarro, Ricardo Montaner, Victor Manuelle, Ivy Queen and Rauw Alejandro gave life to the song ‘El Cantante”’ in homage to Héctor Lavoe. Each of the interpreters, from their respective rhythms, created a perfect harmony and joined in a very emotional show. They quickly went viral and comments on social media grew by leaps and bounds. The spectators were pleased by a presentation that moved fibers.

Winners of the night

Natalia Lafourcade, Alejandro Sanz, René Residente, Mike Bahía, Ricky Martín, Caminlo, Rosalía, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Ozuna, Carlos Vives, Grupo Niche, Eddy Herrera and Daniel Santacruz were the winners of the night. The winners’ social networks were filled with videos of celebration and appreciation. A different night but full of many emotions!

In the Mejor Canción Tropical category, singer-songwriter Carlos Vives shone with his song “Canción para Rubén Blades”, in which Blades participated as a composer. Vives was excited, he did not hesitate to thank Rubén Blades for his support.
“This award with Rubén, congratulations to all the nominees, all the participants, Kany a very big kiss, thank you Sony, thank my entire team, our producers, the artists, Andrés Leal, thank you,” he said in the middle of happiness.

In his social networks he also wanted to dedicate his award to La Academia, his country, his people, each of his followers, his wife and his entire production team. He was also shown celebrating from home, together with family and friends.

In the Mejor Álbum de Salsa category, Grupo Niche shone. Album 40 is a tribute to the group’s musical trajectory. It is the first Latin Grammy that Colombian salseros receive, after having been nominated twice, in 2001 and in 2016.

“We have won the @LatinGRAMMYs for best salsa album for ’40’ our most recent musical production. With great emotion we say to you: Salseros and Nichistas of the world, infinite Thanks! Long live Latin music, salsa, long live the teacher # JairoVarela and long live Colombia!”, They expressed on their Twitter account.

The winning album was recorded for almost a year in studios in Miami, Cali and Puerto Rico. They wanted to maintain the musical guidelines of Jairo Varela and thus remember his roots, without losing his essence.

As Mejor álbum de Merengue/Bachata we have two winners, two Dominicans. A historical event that both celebrate with great fury. Eddy Herrera and Daniel Santacruz were the lucky ones. They tied in one of the closest categories!

Two Dominican Winners — Both Dominicans won the Latin Grammy in the same category

Eddy Herrera has a long history in the genre, known as “El Galán del Merengue”. The followers of his career also celebrated this achievement, being the singer’s first Latin Grammy. “Eddy Herrera Ahora” contains some of his most recent songs.

“It is an immense joy that I also want to share with all my followers and lovers of my performances. Thank you for supporting me throughout these years where you have been faithful to my musical productions ”, he expressed.

The Dominican did not hide his happiness and dedicated himself to thanking those who have supported him during so many years of journey.

“I am extremely grateful to the entire production team, as well as my fans, who are always the impetus to keep going. To achieve this magnificent product, we had, as in other opportunities, the dedication of one hundred percent of our great team, who gave themselves with the charisma, vocation and professionalism of always, an essential symbol of our artistic productions ”, said Eddy Herrera.

For his part, Daniel Santacruz will fondly remember the day that “Larimar” made him the recipient of his first Academy Award. After several nominations, his long-awaited moment finally arrived. In fact, his brother Manny Cruz was also among the nominees.

Even though he was born in the United States, he is of Dominican descent and grew up on its streets. He learned about its culture, its influences and is very proud of its roots.
“Grateful to God, to the Recording Academy and to all those responsible for participating in this important production that represents the sacrifice of many years of career and effort,” expressed the artist.

Santacruz was also part of the singers who entertained the meeting. He appeared from Boca Chica, Dominican Republic to the rhythm of “Larimar”, the promotional song for his album.
The young Dominican posted a video on his Instagram account where he is very happy. He thanked his family, wife, mother and his brother Manny Cruz. To its engineers, musicians, fans and manager. As well as his country, the people who listen and dance bachata, merengue and all his followers. Long live the Dominican Republic!

The event was one of total innovation and, surely, it will become a starting point for other awards. Of course, the dedication and effort on the part of the organization cannot be denied; as well as the artists involved, all left their hearts on stage and showed that better times are to come. So be it!