Rafael Cortijo Y Su Bonche

Rafael Cortijo Y Su Bonche was a prominent Puerto Rican musical group known for their influential contributions to salsa and Puerto Rican traditional music, particularly bomba and plena styles. Led by Rafael Cortijo, the band was a key part of the mid-20th century Latin music scene in Puerto Rico, helping to popularize and modernize traditional Afro-Puerto Rican musical forms.

Cortijo and his ensemble were especially notable for blending traditional rhythms with contemporary urban sounds, which helped bridge cultural musical expressions and influenced later generations of Latin musicians. Their music was characterized by powerful percussion, vibrant horns, and dynamic vocal performances that captured the spirit of Puerto Rican musical heritage.

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