Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, both of Puerto Rican origin, grew up together in Brooklyn, New York. Richie was trained in classical music at the Juilliard School Of Music and Bobby was the leader of an orchestra where he played guitar and bass. Bobby wrote the lyrics and Ricardo composed the music and orchestrations. The arrangements sometimes borrowed elements from classical music. They were soon known as the Kings of Salsa. La Herencia – Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz.
Roberto Roena joined the band Cortijo and His Combo when the group’s lead singer, Ismael Rivera, left. With Cortijo’s band, Roberto attracted audiences with his showmanship, which included unconventional choreography and dances. A few years later, Roberto Roena was invited to join the reputable Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, where his reputation grew even further. Eventually he formed his own band called Roberto Roena and his Apollo Sound. Some of his best material appears on La Herencia – Roberto Roena.
Buy the albums: La Herencia – Papo Lucca, La Herencia – Ismael Rivera, La Herencia – Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, and La Herencia – Roberto Roena
