RICHIE REY Y BOBBY CRUZ

In 1974, after winning a competition bringing together the best orchestras in Puerto Rico, which was originally known as "The Durísimos", went on to become the undisputed "Queen of Salsa".

The story began in New York when, (after living his childhood in Puerto Rico), Bobby decides to reside in the city of skyscrapers, while Richie (Puerto Rican parents) born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. It was in 1963 that Richie and Bobby unite their talents without knowing that their sound would revolutionize the genre, forming the binomial most important in the history of tropical music.
Aware of the great competition that existed, Ricardo Maldonado and Robert Cruz, face a very difficult challenge. Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, El Gran Combo, Joe Cuba, Ray Barreto and others controlled the Latin music scene.

Faced with this challenge creativity join Bobby composer and musical preparation of "concert" of Richie emerging first "Latin Boogalu" then "El Sonido Bestial" model and prototype of what later became known worldwide as the " Salsa Brava ".

After nearly two years of hard work they released their first production "Ricardo Ray Arrives" which marked the birth of his first hit song, "Comejen". Early reviews were disappointing, because their sound is out of the ordinary and acceptability for its time. However, the strength of them broke ground Comejen Walk of Fame.

Among its main achievements are: Agúzate, Madam, My Flag, The Zafra, Amparo Rapture, Richie's Jala-Jala, My Way, Pancho Cristal, Guaguancó Sad, the mulatto, and the issue that gave emphasis to Salsa, " The Sonido Bestial ". The Sonido Bestial Ricardo and Bobby separated from others, consecrating Richie as the most complete pianist of tropical music.

The Senate of Puerto Rico has praised and honored in the race twice Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz after passing resolutions recognizing the trajectory of these legends "Boricua".
They are original members Fania All-Stars, winners of the "Congo Gold" in Colombia, and the "Golden Momo" in Venezuela, regular at the "National Day of Salsa" in Puerto Rico, and members of "The International Congress Salsa ".

His music was baptized in Venezuela, where for the first time a well known speaker defined the music of The Durísimos as "Salsa". The sauce was defined as the mixture of different musical influences such as Mambo, Guaguancó, Son Montuno, Jazz, Rock & Roll, Pop and Classical music on the same piece of music on an Afro-Cuban rhythm.
Ricardo and Bobby continue traveling, doing live performances with his orchestra, bringing their new album "Return To Music," which features a Bestial sound and style that has caractizado for over 40 years.

This past November 2006 after 43 years of career, 103 musical productions, millions of records sold and 15 gold and platinum albums, the Latin Academy of Grammy Awards were granted to Durísimos Award for Excellence his career.
For these and many other reasons, Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, and will remain the undisputed "Queen of Salsa".

Latin Grammy winner