Adalberto Santiago is a revered salsa singer, known for his rich baritone voice and his influential role in Latin music. Born on April 23, 1937, in Barrio Pozas of Ciales, Puerto Rico, Santiago has become one of salsa's enduring luminaries. His musical journey began in earnest after moving to New York City in the early 1960s, where he was a founding member of Ray Barretto's Charanga Moderna. In 1966, he became the lead singer of Barretto's band, which was later renamed as Orquesta La Magnífica. His tenure there included contributing to a series of hit songs, which helped to consolidate the new salsa sound that was sweeping through Latin America and the Latino communities in the United States.
After leaving Barretto's band, Adalberto Santiago embarked on a successful solo career, with a prolific output that has included numerous albums and hit singles, reinforcing his status as a salsa icon. His solo albums, such as "Adalberto", showcased his ability to blend soneos (improvised vocal phrasing) with romantic and socially conscious lyrics. Santiago worked with various acclaimed orchestras and achieved a solid fan base, not just in Latin America, but around the world. His recent releases like "Cosas Del Alma", "Trayectoria de Clasicos", and "Calidad" continue to show his quality and endurance as an artist, connecting new generations with salsa's golden age roots, while also delivering fresh contributions to the genre. Santiago's music remains a staple in the salsa world, testament to his talent, influence, and the love he inspires in salsa enthusiasts globally.
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