Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound

Roberto Roena Vázquez, born January 16, 1940 in Dulces Labios neighborhood of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, was a percussionist, orchestra leader, and dancer. He began his career as a dancer, performing with his brother Cuqui on local television shows such as “La Taberna India” on WKAQ-TV. His breakthrough came when Rafael Cortijo, impressed by his dancing skills, taught him to play the bongos and recruited him for his band, Cortijo y Su Combo. Roena was part of this group from 1956 until 1963, touring extensively across the United States, Europe, and South America. Following Cortijo's departure, he joined El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico in 1964, staying until 1967 when he formed his own band, Los Megatones. In 1969, Roena established Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound, named after the Apollo 11 lunar mission. The group released several albums, including Roberto Roena Y Su Apollo Sound (1970), Apollo Sound 5 (1973), and Lucky 7 (1976). Notable songs include "Y Tu Loco Loco", "Traicion", and "Que Se Sepa". He was also a long-time member of the Fania All Stars, contributing to their worldwide success. Roena's fusion of salsa with jazz in the 1970s, including collaborations with Manu Dibango, further solidified his impact on Latin music. His innovative use of wind instruments and diverse musical repertoire made Apollo Sound a standout act. Roberto Roena Vázquez passed away on September 23, 2021.