Roberto Torres | |
|---|---|
Torres at a ceremony inUnion City, New Jersey, where was honored with a star at Celia Cruz Plaza. | |
| Background information | |
| Born | (1938-02-10)10 February 1938 (age 87) Güines, Cuba |
| Genres | Charanga,vallenata,son cubano,salsa |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, producer, record executive |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, percussion |
| Years active | 1956–present |
| Labels | Guajiro, SAR |
Roberto Torres (born 10 February 1938)[1] is a Cuban singer, percussionist, bandleader and producer. Born inGüines, Cuba,[1] he moved to the United States in 1959, where he became involved in the Latin music scenes ofNew York andMiami.[2] In 1979, he founded two record labels, Guajiro Records and its subsidiary, SAR, both devoted to Cuban music.[2] As a singer and musician, he is famous for his combination of Cuban and Colombian music, which he termed "charangavallenata". His biggest hit was a cover version ofSimón Díaz's "Caballo Viejo".[3] He was a member of theSonora Matancera for three years.[1] He has also appeared in music documentaries such asSon sabrosón: antesala de la salsa.
On 2 June 2011, the Cuban-American community ofUnion City, New Jersey honored Torres with a star on the Walk of Fame atCelia Cruz Plaza.[4]