CARMEN MIRANDA

February 9, 1909 – August 5, 1955

    "Although Carmen Miranda was not a “Mambo Dancer” she did have a part in its development. While Iris Chacon took over the hip action, Carmen Miranda dominated the upper body. Her ladies styling was phenomenal and has been carried on to today’s mambo generation. Of course today’s styling is a lot more advanced, and has evolved, but remember that it was Carmen’s “simplicity” that grew over time." 

Last Night March 12, 2009, at the River Side Memorial Chapel in New York City, many came together to honor and pay due respects to a man who took on the responsibility and of taking the Latin Music Industry to not jut the “next level” but beyond its wildest dreams. This night was like dejavu for many of the artist and band members, and fans of Latin music, because there in that same Chapel, the music world said good-bye not only the Ralph but also Tito Puente. This year we give recognition  yet to another man who made history. 

RALPH MERCADO

September 29, 1941 - March 9,2009

Mercado first fell in love with the latin rhythms while at the Palladium Nightclub when he was only 16. He watched the big bands of Machito, Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez. "Right then I knew I would be involved with this wonderful music one way or another. And thank God I was never a musician. I would probably have been terrible and would have starved to death. I used to dance a little but nothing to write home about. My forte is as a promoter. I've always been a promoter."

Everyone knows and talks about Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Hector Lavoe and Eddie Palmieri, just some of the many men that kept the sound of salsa alive from generation to generation. However there are many that have not been acknowledged or given the recognition that they deserve. This year the salsa scene said good bye to the great Cuban Pete, but in the same week said Goodbye to a man that created one of the most soulful music we dance to today. His name, Gilberto Miguel Calderon known as Joe Cuba. 

JOE CUBA  

April 22, 1931 – February 15, 2009

Joe Cuba was born and raised in New York City. His Parents moved from Puerto Rico to New York in the late 1920's raising Joe in Spanish Harlem, a commmunity where many talents evolved. During his younger years Joe's father created a stick ball team. One day while playing, Joe unfortunatly broke his leg, this leading to the start of history. After breaking his leg he took up playing the conga, practicing between school hours and on his free time and after highschool he eventually joined a band. At the age of 19, he played for J. Panama and for a group called La Alfarona X. Within due time the group broke up so Cuba put aside his music and decided to go from a conga player to a lawyer! In 1950 he enrolled himself in college to study law. While at college he atttended Tito Puente concert. Once again inspired Joe went up to Tito and from that moment on they developed a lifetime friendship. The special event motivated Joe to create his own band and from then on he picked up his career in music. More...

Pedro "Cuban Pete" Aguilar

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