You can see important Salsa figures here:

1940s

Rafael Ithier

Rafael Ithier, Bandleader, Pianist and founder of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico is a legend of Salsa. Born in 1926 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Ithier was passionate about music since his childhood. He never studied formally any instrument but was an innate musician. In 1962 he founded El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and since then he has been active in the music industry, he has released over 57 albums and 27 compilations. He is considered one of the most important figures in Salsa and one of the longest musical careers. [SalsaBlvd | Rafael Ithier | Biography] http://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/rafael-ithier.htm. Accessed 16 Jan. 2025.

Tito Puente (1923 - 2000)

Known as the King of Timbal, Tito Puente is one of the most important figures in Salsa and Latin Music. His influence in popular culture is still present. Born in 1923 in New York in a Puerto Rican Household, he started developing his music talent from a very young age and his contributions to Latin Jazz and Afro-Cuban and his innovative style of playing the timbal separated him from the other timbal players and is recognised as one of the best timbal players of all time because of that. [Marintaya Vol II No 10001 | Tito Puente | Biography] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341105725_Marintaya_Vol_II_No_10001. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

1950s

Ismael Rivera

Ismael Rivera, known as “El Sonero Mayor”, was one of the greatest improvisers in Latin music. Born on October 5, 1931, in Loíza Aldea, Puerto Rico, he showed musical talent from a young age. He and his childhood friend Rafael Cortijo formed Cortijo y su Combo, revolutionizing bomba and plena. Rivera’s ability to improvise lyrics earned him international recognition. After legal troubles led to the band’s breakup, he later formed Ismael Rivera y sus Cachimbos, modernizing traditional rhythms. His legacy lives on through his timeless salsa hits. He passed away on May 13, 1987. - - [SalsaBlvd | Ismael Rivera | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/ismael-rivera.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Cheo Feliciano

José “Cheo” Feliciano (1935 - 2014) Cheo Feliciano, a legendary salsa and bolero singer, was born on July 3, 1935, in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He moved to New York at 17, starting as a percussionist before becoming the lead vocalist of the Joe Cuba Sextet, recording hits like “El Ratón” and “El Pito”. After a brief hiatus, he returned with Cheo (1972), featuring “Anacaona”. He later recorded with Fania Records and launched Coche Records. His 1999 album “Una Voz, Mil Recuerdos” paid tribute to Latin music legends. Feliciano remains an icon of Latin music. [SalsaBlvd | Cheo Feliciano | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/cheo-feliciano.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Johnny Pacheco

Johnny Pacheco (1935 - 2021) Johnny Pacheco, a pioneer of salsa, was born in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, in 1935. Moving to New York at 11, he mastered multiple instruments and studied at Juilliard. In 1959, he formed Pacheco y Su Charanga, popularizing the Pachanga dance craze. In 1964, he co-founded Fania Records, launching the Fania All-Stars and shaping the salsa movement. As a bandleader, flutist, and producer, he worked with legends like Celia Cruz, Héctor Lavoe, and Willie Colón. His impact on Latin music earned him multiple honors, cementing his legacy as a salsa icon. [SalsaBlvd | Johnny Pacheco | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/johnny-pacheco.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Ray Barretto

Ray Barretto (1929 - 2006)

Ray Barretto, a legendary conguero and Latin jazz innovator, was born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents in 1929. Initially influenced by jazz, he developed a unique fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms and bebop, later joining Tito Puente’s band in the late 1950s. In 1963, he gained fame with the crossover hit “El Watusi”. As a Fania All-Stars member and bandleader, Barretto pushed Latin jazz forward, incorporating rock and funk into his music. His New World Spirit sextet, launched in 1992, cemented his legacy as a pioneer of Latin percussion. [SalsaBlvd | Ray Barretto | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/ray-barretto.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Yomo Toro

Yomo Toro (1933 - 2012) Yomo Toro, a virtuoso of the cuatro, was born Victor Guillermo Toro Vega on July 26, 1933, in Guánica, Puerto Rico. He began playing music at six years old, inspired by his father, and by 15, he was performing in school bands. A pioneer in incorporating the cuatro into salsa, he recorded with Larry Harlow, Willie Colón, and the Fania All-Stars. His international tours and hit album “Funky Jíbaro” showcased his unique sound. Toro’s contributions solidified the cuatro as a defining instrument in Latin music. [SalsaBlvd | Yomo Toro | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/yomo-toro.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

1960s

Willie Rosario

Willie Rosario, known as “Mr. Ritmo”, is a legendary bandleader, percussionist, and composer in salsa music. Born Fernando Luis Rosario Marín on May 6, 1930, in Coamo, Puerto Rico, he moved to New York at 16, where he pursued music and journalism. Inspired by Tito Puente, he became a renowned percussionist. In 1962, he signed with Alegre Records, later joining Fania’s Inca label, releasing hits like “La Cuesta de la Fama” and “Del Barrio Obrero a la Quince”. His band helped launch stars like Gilberto Santa Rosa and Tony Vega. His rhythmic salsa style remains highly influential. [SalsaBlvd | Willie Rosario | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/willie-rosario.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Larry Harlow

Larry Harlow (1939 - 2021) Larry Harlow, known as “El Judío Maravilloso”, was a salsa pianist, composer, and producer who played a key role in shaping the Fania era. Born Lawrence Ira Kahn on March 20, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, he fell in love with Afro-Cuban music, studying in Cuba before launching his career. As a Fania pioneer, he produced over 100 albums and led Orchestra Harlow, collaborating with legends like Ismael Miranda and Rubén Blades. His opera Hommy and Grammy-nominated La Raza Latina cemented his legacy as a salsa innovator. [SalsaBlvd | Larry Harlow | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/larry-harlow.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Eddie Palmieri

Eddie Palmieri (1936 - Present) Eddie Palmieri, a pianist, composer, and bandleader, was born on December 15, 1936, in the South Bronx, New York, to Puerto Rican parents. He began playing piano at eight years old and gained experience performing with bands in the 1950s, including Tito Rodríguez’s orchestra. In 1961, he formed La Perfecta, revolutionizing Latin music with its bold trombone-heavy sound. A Grammy-winning artist, Palmieri experimented with Latin jazz, salsa, and political themes, earning critical acclaim for albums like Sun of Latin Music and Justicia. His innovative style continues to influence Latin music today. [SalsaBlvd | Eddie Palmieri | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/eddie-palmieri.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Tommy Olivencia

Tommy Olivencia (1938 - 2006) Tommy Olivencia, a salsa bandleader and musician, was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He started singing at 16 and became a bandleader by 22, leading an orchestra for over 35 years. His band nurtured legends like Paquito Guzmán, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Frankie Ruiz, and Lalo Rodríguez. Known for his brass-heavy sound and fusion of swing and melody, Olivencia released classics like Secuestro (1972) and 30 Aniversario (1987). He embraced salsa romántica in the late 1980s, maintaining his influence in Latin music. His contributions cemented him as a salsa icon. [SalsaBlvd | Tommy Olivencia | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/tommy-olivencia.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Willie Colón

Willie Colón (1950 - Present) Willie Colón, a Bronx-born trombonist, composer, and salsa pioneer, is one of the most influential figures in Latin music. Born William Anthony Colón Román to Puerto Rican grandparents, he fused Afro-Caribbean rhythms with socially conscious lyrics, shaping modern salsa and Latin jazz. With over 10 million records sold, he collaborated with icons like Rubén Blades, Héctor Lavoe, and Celia Cruz, earning 11 Grammy nominations. His hits, including “Atrapado”, reflect themes of urban struggle and cultural identity. Beyond music, Colón remains a political activist and humanitarian. [SalsaBlvd | Willie Colón | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/willie-colon.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Hector Lavoe

Héctor Lavoe (1946 - 1993) Héctor Lavoe, “El Cantante de los Cantantes”, was born Héctor Juan Pérez on September 30, 1946, in Ponce, Puerto Rico. At 17, he moved to New York, where Johnny Pacheco introduced him to Willie Colón, forming one of salsa’s most legendary duos. Their fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms with Latin American styles produced hits like “Che Che Colé” and “Mi Gente”. Lavoe later thrived as a solo artist, recording “El Cantante” and “Periódico de Ayer”. Despite fame, he battled personal tragedies and addiction, leading to his decline. He passed away on June 29, 1993, leaving behind a salsa legacy. [SalsaBlvd | Héctor Lavoe | Biography] https://salsablvd.com/biographies/hector-lavoe.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Ismael Miranda

Ismael Miranda (1950 - Present) Ismael Miranda, “El Niño Bonito de la Salsa”, is a salsa singer, songwriter, and pioneer born in Aguada, Puerto Rico. By 11, he was performing in bands, and at 17, he recorded his first hit, “Rumbón Melón”. He gained fame with Larry Harlow’s orchestra, co-writing classics like “La Revolución” and “Guasasa”. At 19, he joined the Fania All-Stars, launching a successful solo career with hits like “Así Se Compone un Son”, “La Cama Vacía”, and “Señor Sereno”. With over 20 albums, Miranda remains a salsa legend. [SalsaBlvd | Ismael Miranda | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/ismael-miranda.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

1970s

Ruben Blades

Rubén Blades (1948 - Present) Rubén Blades, a singer, actor, and political figure, was born on July 16, 1948, in Panama City, Panama. Influenced by his musical parents, he grew up amidst political turmoil, shaping his socially conscious lyrics. While studying law, he performed with Los Salvajes del Ritmo and later moved to New York, working at Fania Records. His 1970 debut “From Panama to New York” with Pete Rodríguez went unnoticed, but he soon rose to fame, blending salsa with political themes. With hits like “Pedro Navaja”, he remains a cultural icon and activist. [SalsaBlvd | Rubén Blades | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/ruben-blades.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Celia Cruz

Celia Cruz (1925 - 2003) Celia Cruz, “The Queen of Salsa,” was one of Latin music’s most iconic vocalists. Born on October 21, 1925, in Havana, Cuba, she gained fame as the lead singer of La Sonora Matancera (1950-1965) before launching a successful solo career in the U.S. Her collaborations with Johnny Pacheco, Tito Puente, and the Fania All-Stars cemented her legacy, with hits like “Quimbara” and “La Vida Es Un Carnaval”. A ten-time Grammy nominee, she received numerous honors, including a National Medal of the Arts. She passed away on July 16, 2003, leaving behind a salsa empire. [SalsaBlvd | Celia Cruz | Biography] https://salsablvd.com/biographies/celia-cruz.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Oscar D’Leon

Oscar D’León (1943 - Present) Oscar D’León, “El Sonero del Mundo,” is a Venezuelan salsa legend, singer, and bassist born Oscar Emilio León Dionisia on July 11, 1943, in Caracas, Venezuela. Initially a topographer and General Motors worker, he pursued music, forming Dimensión Latina (1972), where he rose to fame with hits like “Llorarás”. After leaving the group, he launched a successful solo career, earning international fame with “Se Necesita Rumbero” and “Monta Mi Caballo”. With over 60 albums, Grammy nominations, and collaborations with Celia Cruz and Tito Puente, he remains a salsa icon. [SalsaBlvd | Oscar D’León | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/oscar-deleon.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Joe Arroyo

Joe Arroyo (1955 - 2011) Joe Arroyo, a Colombian salsa and tropical music legend, was born Álvaro José Arroyo González on November 1, 1955, in Cartagena, Colombia. He began singing at eight years old and rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead vocalist for Fruko y sus Tesos. In 1981, he formed La Verdad, blending salsa, cumbia, compas, reggae, and soca, creating his signature style. Despite personal struggles, he became an icon with hits like “Rebelión” and “La Noche”. His legacy as a pioneer of Colombian salsa remains influential worldwide. [SalsaBlvd | Joe Arroyo | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/joe-arroyo.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

1980s

Frankie Ruiz

Frankie Ruiz (1958 - 1998) Frankie Ruiz, a salsa romántica icon, was born José Antonio Torresola Ruiz on March 10, 1958, in Paterson, New Jersey. He moved to Puerto Rico as a teenager, becoming the lead vocalist for Orquesta La Solución and later joining Tommy Olivencia’s orchestra. By the mid-1980s, he launched a successful solo career, popularizing salsa sensual with hits like “Voy Pa’ Encima” and “Bailando”. Despite his immense talent, he struggled with substance abuse, leading to his tragic death on August 9, 1998. His legacy remains as one of salsa’s greatest voices. [SalsaBlvd | Frankie Ruiz | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/frankie-ruiz.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Eddie Santiago

Eddie Santiago (1961 - Present) Eddie Santiago, a salsa romántica pioneer, was born on August 18, 1961, in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico. He began performing in his youth, joining bands like Generación 2000 and Orquesta Opus before launching a solo career in 1986. His early hits, including “Tú Me Quemas”, “Qué Locura Enamorarme de Ti”, and “Lluvia”, made him an international star. In 1999, his album “Celebration: Epic Duets” revitalized his career. With multiple gold and platinum records, Santiago remains one of the most recognizable voices in salsa romántica. [SalsaBlvd | Eddie Santiago | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/lalo-rodriguez.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Lalo Rodriguez

Lalo Rodríguez (1958 - 2022) Lalo Rodríguez, a salsa romántica pioneer, was born Ubaldo Rodríguez Santos on May 16, 1958, in Puerto Rico. He began singing at nine years old and at 16, joined Eddie Palmieri’s orchestra, recording on the Grammy-winning “The Sun of Latin Music” (1973). In 1980, he launched his solo career, achieving massive success with “Ven, Devórame Otra Vez” (1988) from his hit album “Un Nuevo Despertar”. The song topped charts across Latin America and Spain, earning him Billboard awards. His smooth vocals and romantic lyrics made him a salsa legend. [SalsaBlvd | Lalo Rodríguez | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/lalo-rodriguez.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

1990s

La India

La India (1969 - Present) La India, a salsa and Latin pop star, was born Linda Caballero in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, and raised in the South Bronx. She began singing at six years old and initially pursued Latin hip-hop with TKA before shifting to salsa. Her 1992 album, “Llegó La India”, produced by Eddie Palmieri, marked her transition to Latin music. She gained international fame with “Dicen Que Soy” (1994) and the hit duet “Vivir Lo Nuestro” with Marc Anthony. Collaborating with Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, La India became a dominant voice in salsa. [SalsaBlvd | La India | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/la-india.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Gilberto Santa Rosa

Gilberto Santa Rosa (1962 - Present) Gilberto Santa Rosa, “El Caballero de la Salsa,” is a Puerto Rican salsa legend known for his smooth vocals and improvisational skills. Born on August 21, 1962, he started his career in 1976, recording with Mario Ortiz, Orquesta La Grande, and Willie Rosario. In 1986, he launched his solo career, achieving massive success with hits like “Vivir Sin Ella” and “Perdóname”. With multiple platinum albums, Billboard awards, and international tours, Santa Rosa remains a dominant force in salsa romántica while staying true to his sonero roots. [SalsaBlvd | Gilberto Santa Rosa | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/gilberto-santa-rosa.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Jerry Rivera

Jerry Rivera (1973 - Present) Jerry Rivera, known as “El Bebé de la Salsa”, is a Puerto Rican salsa singer born on July 31, 1973, in Humacao, Puerto Rico. Raised in Levittown, Toa Baja, he was introduced to music by his father, trio singer Edwin “Pino” Rivera. His 1990 debut album, Abriendo Puertas, was followed by Cuenta Conmigo (1992), one of salsa’s best-selling albums, featuring hits like “Casi Un Hechizo”. Rivera has also acted in films and TV, solidifying his place in salsa romántica. His 2001 album, No Me Olvidarás, compiled his biggest hits. [SalsaBlvd | Jerry Rivera | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/jerry-rivera.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Marc Anthony

Marc Anthony (1969 - Present) Marc Anthony, a global salsa and Latin pop superstar, was born Marco Antonio Muñiz on September 16, 1969, in New York City to Puerto Rican parents. He started as a session vocalist and later collaborated with Little Louie Vega, gaining recognition with “Ride on the Rhythm”. His breakthrough came with Otra Nota (1993), followed by hits like “Vivir lo Nuestro” (1994) and Todo A Su Tiempo (1995). His 1999 English-language debut, Marc Anthony, featuring “I Need to Know”, cemented his mainstream success. With multiple Grammy Awards, he remains a Latin music icon. [SalsaBlvd | Marc Anthony | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/marc-anthony.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Victor Manuelle

Víctor Manuelle (1968 - Present) Víctor Manuelle, “El Sonero de la Juventud,” is a Puerto Rican salsa singer and songwriter born in Añasco, Puerto Rico. Discovered by Gilberto Santa Rosa, he began his career singing with salsa legends like Domingo Quiñones, Cheo Feliciano, and Eddie Santiago. His 1993 debut album, Justo a Tiempo, launched a string of gold and platinum records, including A Pesar de Todo and Ironías. Known for hits like “Dile A Ella”, Manuelle has dominated Billboard charts, won multiple awards, and remains one of salsa’s most celebrated modern soneros. [SalsaBlvd | Victor Manuelle | Biography] https://www.salsablvd.com/biographies/victor-manuelle.htm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.