Ismael Rivera was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, in 1931. Ismael, also known as Maelo, was only a teenager when he became the star singer with Rafael Cortijo’s pioneering combo. The ensemble combined Puerto Rican folk styles like bomba and plena with popular dance music from neighboring Cuba. Cortijo was one of the first artists who created the groundwork for salsa. Maelo became one of the essential soneros (traditional salsa singers).
Unfortunately, Rivera’s budding career with Cortijo was distracted by a period in prison after being arrested for drug possession. He returned from jail with the intention to reinvent his career and launched a new career as a solo artist in New York.
Maelo had a successful career. In 1971 he released the landmark album “Lo Último En La Avenida.” On this occasion, Maelo was backed by the legendary band led by fellow Puerto Rican timbalero and bandleader Francisco Ángel Bastar Ramos, better known as Kako. “Lo Último En La Avenida” included famed Cuban conguero Patato. The album was remastered and reissued in 2021.
By the late 1970s, Rivera’s vocal cords had lost their luster. He died in 1987, in the arms of his mother, of a heart attack. He was only 55.
Ismael Rivera received many tributes in Puerto Rico. A statue of Rivera was placed in the Plaza de los Salseros in Villa Palmeras, Santurce, Puerto Rico.
(headline image: Ismael Rivera, courtesy of Fania Records)
Discography:
With Cortijo y su combo
Encores de Cortijo y su combo (Tropical, 1956)
Baile con Cortijo y su combo (Tropical, 1958)
Cortijo en New York (Producciones Gema, 1959)
Bueno, Que…? (Producciones Gema, 1960)
Danger Do Not Trespass (Rumba Records, 1960)
Quitate De La Via Perico (Rumba Records 1961)
Bienvenido! / Welcome! (Tico Records, 1966)
Con Todos los Hierros (Everything But The Kitchen Sink!) (Tico Records, 1967)
Solo albums:
De Colores (Tico Records, 1968)
Controversia (Tico Records, 1969)
Lo Último en la Avenida (Tico Records, 1971)
Esto Fue lo Que Trajo el Barco (1972)
Vengo Por la Maceta (Tico Records, 1973)
Traigo de Todo ( Tico Records, 1974)
Feliz Navidad (Tico Records, 1975)
Soy Feliz (Vaya Records, 1975)
De Todas Maneras Rosas (1977)
Esto Si Es lo Mío (1978)
El Sonero Mayor (Tico Records, 1980)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.