Paquito Guzmán

Paquito Guzmán, born Frank Guzmán Géigel on November 20, 1939, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, was a famed salsa and bolero singer. At the age of 18, he had his first professional music opportunity on a local TV program. Aiming to broaden his musical horizons, Paquito Guzmán relocated to New York City in 1959, starting his recording career. His big break came in 1960 when he became a part of Joe Quijano’s group Conjunto Cachana, positioning him as a pivotal figure in New York's Caribbean music scene. A few years later, Paquito Guzmán returned to Puerto Rico and joined the Tommy Olivencia orchestra, contributing to several successful albums including Trucutú in 1963, Jala-jala y Guaguancó in 1965, and Fire–fire in 1969. However, it was the romantic hit "Sin Compromiso" from the 1971 album A Toda Máquina that propelled Paquito Guzmán to national prominence, paving the way for a fruitful solo career. He recorded numerous solo albums from the late 1970s into the 1980s, including Paquito Guzmán (1972), Escucha Mi Canción (1975), and Mintiendo Se Gana Más (1977). His 1986 album Champán y Ron: Las Mejores Baladas de Salsa is regarded as a pioneering work in romantic salsa. Among the memorable songs from his repertoire is "Qué Voy a Hacer Sin Ti," a fan favorite from his 1990 album, El Mismo Romántico. Paquito Guzmán continued recording into the 2000s, including notable collaborations and occasional live performances in Puerto Rico. He passed away at the age of 82 on December 9, 2021, in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico.