Lalo Rodríguez facts for kids

Ubaldo Rodríguez Santos (born May 16, 1958 – died December 13, 2022) was a famous singer from Puerto Rico. He was known by his stage name, Lalo Rodríguez. He was a pioneer in a type of salsa called "Romantic Salsa."

Early Life and Talent

Lalo Rodríguez was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. His parents were Magdalena Santos and Jose Rodriguez. From a young age, Lalo showed a lot of musical talent.

When he was just seven years old, he won a children's talent show. By age nine, he was already singing at traditional festivals. He also performed on radio and television shows. At 12, he joined an orchestra called Tempo Moderno. He sang with them for four years.

Starting His Music Career

In 1973, when Lalo was 15, he moved to New York. Producer Harvey Averne helped him join Eddie Palmieri's band. This was a big step for his career.

At 17, Lalo sang on Palmieri's album, Sun of Latin Music. This album was very successful. It included popular songs like "Un Dia Bonito" (A Beautiful Day). In 1975, this album made history. It was the first salsa album to win a Grammy Award.

The next year, he sang on Unfinished Masterpiece. This album was also nominated for a Grammy. Eddie Palmieri gave him the nickname "Lalo." After working with Palmieri, Lalo joined the Machito Grillo's Orchestra. They recorded the album “Fireworks,” which was also nominated for a Grammy. By the time he was 18, Lalo had recorded three albums. One won a Grammy, and two others were nominated.

Later, Lalo returned to Puerto Rico. There, he joined Tommy Olivencia's band.

Becoming a Solo Artist

In 1980, Lalo Rodríguez started his solo career. He released his first album, Simplemente... Lalo. This album featured the classic salsa song "Tu No Sabes Querer" (You Don't Know How to Love).

During the 1980s, Lalo recorded six albums. One of his most famous songs was "Ven, Devórame Otra Vez" (Come Devour Me Once More). This song became a prime example of "salsa romantica." In 1989, Lalo won "Tropical Song of the Year" for this hit at the Lo Nuestro Awards. The song reached number 10 on the Hot Latin Tracks chart.

Lalo was known for his exciting stage presence. He often connected with his audience. He followed the style of great singers like Cheo Feliciano.

Later Years in Music

Lalo Rodríguez continued to record new albums in the early and mid-1990s. In 1994, he worked with Chino Rodríguez and Harvey Averne again. They helped him record Nací Para Cantar, which sold very well. His last album released to the public was Estoy Aquí in 1996.

After a break from recording, Lalo announced a new album. It was called Con Todo Mi Corazon. While it was announced in 2020, it was not officially released to the public.

Personal Life

Lalo Rodríguez lived in Orlando, Florida for over 20 years. He married Wanda Torres in 1986. They had four children together. In 2020, Lalo shared that he had moved back to Puerto Rico.

Death

Lalo Rodríguez passed away in Carolina, Puerto Rico. He died on December 13, 2022, at 64 years old. He was buried at the Santa Cruz Cemetery in Carolina.

Discography

Albums with Other Artists

• 1974: The Sun of Latin Music (with Eddie Palmieri)
• 1975: Unfinished Masterpiece (with Eddie Palmieri)
• 1977: Fireworks (with Machito)

Studio Albums

• 1980: Simplemente... Lalo
• 1982: Nuevamente... Lalo
• 1985: El Niño, el Hombre, el Soñador, el Loco
• 1987: Punto y Coma
• 1988: Un Nuevo Despertar
• 1989: Sexsacional..!
• 1992: De Vuelta en la Trampa
• 1994: Nací Para Cantar
• 1996: Estoy Aquí
• Con Todo Mi Corazon (unreleased)

Reissue Albums

• 1990: Una Voz Para Escuchar (reissue of Nuevamente... Lalo)
• 1991: ¡Plena-Mente, Lalo! (reissue of El Niño, el Hombre, el Soñador, el Loco)
• 1992: Como Siempre Lalo (reissue of Punto y Coma)

Compilation Albums

• 1981: Evolución
• 1981: Simplemente Lalo... Otra Vez
• 1994: Oro Salsero: 20 Éxitos
• 1995: Lalo Rodríguez y la Salsa Mayor
• 1997: Colección: Mi Historia
• 2000: Serie Sensacional
• 2002: Edicion Limitada
• 2003: Antologia
• 2004: Serie Top 10
• 2006: Pura Salsa
• 2008: The Greatest Salsa Ever
• 2013: 12 Favoritas
• 2015: Salsa Legends

See also

In Spanish: Lalo Rodríguez para niños

• Salsa
• Salsa Romantica
• Music of Puerto Rico
• List of Puerto Ricans
• List of number-one Billboard Tropical Albums from the 1980s