12
/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE
/ JUNE 2012
SALSA
By: Marco Torrey
ohnny Rivera was born in New York on February 4th in the South Bronx. He is one of the most remarkable salsa singers of the romance era and a proud Nuyorican. Growing up in the Bronx in the 1960’s put him in the perfect place to develop an ear for Latin music, especially Salsa and Merengue, due to the strong Puerto Rican and Dominican presence throughout the city. He attended Benjamin Franklin High School. After graduating, he moved briefly to Puerto Rico, most known as “La Isla del Encanto,” where he fell in love with salsa. Soon after relocating, he joined a local salsa group while, at the same time, drawing inspiration from his uncle, Adalberto Santiago, who encouraged him to continue his education. Johnny returned to New York where he attended Johnny Colon’s workshop at the East Harlem Music School. He continued to develop his voice and technique until joining his uncle Adalberto Santiago y La Orchesta. After being part of the band, he compiled his first album “Noche Caliente, Vol II”. While still honing his skills, he was given the opportunity to record with several Latin bands and eventually, he was given the opportunity to join “Grupo Fascinacion” where he spent four years, recording new albums like “Tiburon” (Grupo Fasinacion, Rico Records) and “Salsa Vice” (Grupo Fasinacion, Rico Records). He also recorded two albums with “Conjunto Clasico” as the group’s featured singer. Between 1988 and 1989, he recorded “Clasico 88” (Conjunto Clasico, Lo Mejor Records) and 1989 his last record with Conjuncto Clasico, “Mas Clasico Que Nunca.” It was in 1991 that Johnny finally recorded his first solo album, “Ahora de Verdad” with producer Sergio George, while traveling between New York and Puerto Rico. His popularity rose enormously when he sang a duet with Ray Sepulveda at two Combinacion Perfecta concerts at the Madison Square Garden. The song “No Vale La Pena” elevated his career to a new level when it made the Billboard music charts. Since then, he has scored 15 hit singles, including Billboard #1 single, “Se Parecia Tanto
a Ti.” In 1995 he performed for a recordbreaking 300,000 attendees during his Columbian tour stops in Bogota, Medellin, Cali, and Barranquilla. Johnny has participated in countless Latin Festivals and is also involved with numerous charities such as the Teleton Projecto 911 in Panama. He’s also recorded with La Nueva Combinacion and once again joined forces with Ray Sepulveda for a duet in tribute to El Gran Combo with the song “Son Para Ustedes” composed by Charlie Donato in 2006. Between the many successes, Johnny has also seen his share of sadness. In 2006, his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, after which Johnny halted his career to stay and support his wife throughout her treatment. He did what he felt was right, putting family first. Decisions such as this have greatly added to Johnny’s image as not only an idol but also a remarkable human being. In 2007, after his wife’s recovery, he returned to the stage with his ninth solo album “Vivo Por Ti.” His latest full-length release album, “El Noble de la Salsa”, was released in 2011 and is available from Universal Music Group. Johnny Rivera will perform in the DC Area at V3 Lounge in Falls Church VA on June 22nd. Johnny’s work has always been at the forefront of Latin music and is certain to continue inspiring listeners young and old for generations to come. If you are looking for a great Latin night out, this event will certainly fulfill your tastes! █ For more info and tickets: www.tickeri.com