Javier Vazquez

Ismael Rivera: Traigo de Todo

by Richard J Salvucci
November 6, 2024

Ismael Rivera (1931-1987) is one of the key figures of Puerto Rican salsa, an early exponent and pioneer, and so recognized on the island today, largely because of his sojourn in jny:New York City. His career started in his late teens in Santurce while he was still employed as a laborer on the island, but he soon became established with Rafael Cortijo y su Combo in New York. He gained a reputation as a vocal improviser with the sobriquet, El ...