Ismael Rivera facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ismael Rivera
Background information
Birth name	Ismael Rivera
Also known as	"Maelo" "El Sonero Mayor"
Born	(1931-10-05)October 5, 1931 Santurce, Puerto Rico
Died	May 13, 1987(1987-05-13) (aged 55) Santurce, Puerto Rico
Genres	Salsa, Boogaloo, Puerto Rican music, bomba and plena
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Percussion
Years active	1948 - 1987
Labels	Fania
Associated acts	Conjunto Monterrey Orquesta Panamericana Cortijo's Combo Ismael Rivera and his Cachimbos

Ismael Rivera (October 5, 1931 – May 13, 1987) was a famous Puerto Rican singer and composer. People often called him "Maelo" or "El Sonero Mayor". He was known for his amazing voice and his contributions to salsa and other Latin music styles.

Early Life and Musical Start

Rivera went to Pedro G. Goyco Elementary School in San Juan.

Ismael Rivera was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, a part of San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was the oldest of five children. His father was a carpenter, and his mother was a homemaker. From a young age, Ismael loved to sing and make music by tapping on cans.

He went to Pedro G. Goyco Elementary School. He also learned carpentry at a special school. To help his family, he shined shoes and worked as a carpenter when he was 16. In his free time, he would sing with his best friend, Rafael Cortijo. In 1948, Ismael and Cortijo joined a group called El Conjunto Monterrey. Ismael played the conga drum, and Cortijo played the bongos.

Becoming a Star Singer

In 1952, Ismael Rivera joined the U.S. Army. However, he was quickly discharged because he did not speak English. When he returned to Puerto Rico, his friend Rafael Cortijo helped him become a lead singer for Orquesta Panamericana.

With this orchestra, Ismael recorded his first popular songs. These included "El charlatán," "Ya yo sé," "La vieja en camisa," and "La sazón de Abuela." After some time, Ismael left Orquesta Panamericana. In 1954, he joined Cortijo's Combo. This group recorded many songs that became big hits in the Latin community.

"El Sonero Mayor" and World Tours

As Cortijo's Combo became more famous, so did Ismael Rivera's reputation as a lead singer. A Cuban music producer named Ángel Maceda gave him the nickname sonero mayor. This means "the great singer" or "master singer."

The band traveled to New York City and performed at the famous Palladium Ballroom. Many other big orchestras, like those of Tito Rodríguez and Tito Puente, also played there.

Ismael Rivera married Virginia Fuente in 1951. He had five children: Ismael Jr., Carlos, Margarita, Caridad, and Orquídea. In 1959, Ismael and Cortijo's Combo appeared in a European movie called Calipso. The movie starred Harry Belafonte. Ismael also traveled with Cortijo's Combo to Europe, Central, and South America.

Later, Cortijo's Combo broke up. Soon after, Rafael Ithier formed a new group with some of the old members. This new band became El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.

After some time, Ismael Rivera formed his own band called Ismael Rivera and his Cachimbos. This band was very successful for eight years. Ismael later reunited with Cortijo to record the song "Juntos otra vez." Ismael also had success as a solo artist with songs like "El Sonero Mayor" and "Volare." His biggest hit was "Las caras lindas (de mi gente negra)," written by Tite Curet Alonso. In 1974, Ismael performed at a live concert at Carnegie Hall. He also opened for Bob Marley in Paris in 1978.

Later Life and Legacy

Ismael Rivera was a devoted follower of the Black Christ procession in Portobelo, Panama. He attended this event every year from 1975 to 1985. He even wrote a song about the Black Christ called "El Nazareno." In Panama, people nicknamed him "El Brujo de Borinquen," which means "The Wizard of Puerto Rico."

The death of his childhood friend, Rafael Cortijo, in 1982 deeply affected Ismael. He was so sad that he could not sing at a tribute concert for Cortijo. Ismael also worked to create a museum that would show the important contributions of black Puerto Ricans to the culture of Puerto Rico.

Ismael Rivera passed away on May 13, 1987, from a heart attack. He is buried in the San José Cemetery in Villa Palmeras in Santurce.

Ismael Rivera's legacy continues to be celebrated. On October 5, 2008, Puerto Rico's governor declared that Ismael Rivera's birthday would be celebrated as "Día Conmemorativo del Natalicio de Ismael Rivera" (Commemorative Day of Ismael Rivera's Birth). In 2001, the Puerto Rican Senate also approved a law making October 5 "Ismael Rivera Day."

In Villa Palmeras, Santurce, Puerto Rico, there is a plaza called "Plaza de los Salseros." It has a statue and a plaque dedicated to Ismael Rivera. Many artists, including Celia Cruz, have recorded tributes to him. In 2000, Ismael Rivera was honored by being included in the International Latin Music Hall of Fame.

Discography

Albums

Compilation albums

See also

In Spanish: Ismael Rivera para niños

• List of Puerto Ricans