b. Ciales, Puerto Rico. Adalberto's relaxed and flawless lead vocals are among the best in salsa, and for over two decades he has sessioned as a coro (chorus) singer on countless New York recordings. His early influences included the great Cuban vocalists Beny Mor‚ and Miguelito Cun¡ (b. 8 May 1920, Pinar del R¡o, Cuba, d. 5 March 1984, Havana, Cuba). Santiago started his professional career singing with trios and playing bass and guitar. After stints with the bands of Chu¡to V‚lez, Willie Rodr¡guez and Willie Rosario, his career really took off when he joined Ray Barretto's band. Between 1966 and 1972, Adalberto made seven albums (excluding compilations) with Barretto. In late 1972, Adalberto and four other members of Barretto's band departed to found T¡pica 73. He appeared on three of their albums before disagreement over musical direction led him, and three other band members, to split during the mid-70s to form Los Kimbos. Meanwhile, Santiago sang lead vocals on two critically acclaimed charanga albums, Fantasia Africana/African Fantasy and Our Heritage - Nuestra Herencia, by flautist, composer and producer Lou P‚rez.

Listen to Adalberto Santiago at Finetune.

• Santo Military Y Montuno

• Tito Puente
• El Gran Combo De Puerto Rico
• Andy Montañez
• Celia Cruz
• Cheo Feliciano
• Paquito Guzman
• Ruben Blades
• Ismael Miranda
• Buena Vista Social Club
• Chucho Valdes
• Ruben Gonzalez
• Afro-Cuban Jazz Project
• Alberto Plaza
• Alejandro Sanz
• Gloria Estefan
• Mi Son
• Spanish Harlem
• Willy Chirino
• David Pabon
• Eddie Palmieri

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