Conga Master Ray Barretto Dies at 76

New York, USA - Latin percussion legend Ray Barretto died this morning, at 5 a.m.at the Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey.

On January 30th, 2006, the booking agent for renowned Latin percussionist Ray Barretto had reported a severe deterioration of the artist's health. He had been recovering from heart bypass surgery and pneumonia.

Ray Barretto embodied the history of Latin Jazz. He was one of the first Hispanic artists to record and perform with mainstream jazz artists including Sonny Stitt, Lou Donaldson, Red Garland, Cannonball Adderley, Freddie Hubbard, Cal Tjader, and Dizzie Gillespie. In addition, he was a celebrated figure in the Afro-Cuban and Salsa music scene.

He is survived by Ray Barretto is survived by his wife Annette Rivera, his four children: Chris, Raun, Ray and Kelly Barretto; and four grandchildren: Jullian Barretto, Aja Peters, Arno Peters and Alex Peters.

Other Ray Barretto stories:

• Latin Percussion Masters in Their Element
• Legendary Percussionist Ray Barretto Severely ill
• The Rough Guide to Boogaloo

[Photo by Jean Jacques Pussiau].