On Feb. 17, 2006, the Latin Music industry lost one of it's greats with the passing away of conga player extraordinaire, Ray Barretto. In a career that spanned over 55 years, Ray Barretto's work in the Jazz and Salsa industry has earned him an international reputation, that grew from his rhythm work behind the great jazz soloists since the 50's, like Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, the Red Garland trio, Art Blakey, and many others. The moment he landed in the Salsa industry, the flood gates completely opened up to him, and he had groomed many young Puerto Rican musicians and collaborated with the who's who in Salsa, like Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Adalberto Santiago, Orestes Vilato, and the list goes on and on.

     Barretto's course through Latin Music has been based on conviction; while most bandleaders who swing under pressure from the latest trends, he refused to join the disco, merengue,or rap crazes. For those of us who enjoy old school Salsa and Latin Jazz, we're glad he didn't join those crazes, and kept it real throughout the years. Like many of you, I too am saddened by the passing away of this great giant in the Latin Music industry. I got the opportunity to see him live in concert twice during his stellar career in Nov., 2002, in Puerto Rico, and in Los Angeles, CA, at the West Coast Salsa Congress in May, 2003. It was during that time in May, 2003, that I had the honor of meeting him, and having the opportunity to chat with him. What an honor it was for me to hear from the person who was there from the beginning, and to hear stories of what it was like when this craze was just getting off the ground. Little did he, or anyone know, that this craze would take the world by storm, amongst dancers and listeners alike, well beyond their imaginations.

     Without further adieu, here's my tribute to the man known as "El Gigante De La Salsa" (The Giant of Salsa), "Manos Duras" (Hard Hands), Ray Barretto. Caballero, Rest in Peace. Thanks for enlightening us with your music. Job well done.


1. "El Watusi": (Polydor, 1962)
- This selection is taken from the CD titled, "Charanga Moderna".

2. "Acid": (Fania, 1967)
- This selection is taken from the CD titled, "Acid". By far, one of the
most important latin instrumentals in Latin Music's history.

3. "Juntos (Together)": (Fania, 1969)
- This selection is taken from the CD titled, "Together".

4. "Oye La Noticia": (Fania, 1972)
- This selection is taken from the CD titled, "Power".

5. "Que Viva La Musica": (Fania, 1972)
- This selection is taken from the CD titled, "Que Viva La Musica"

6. "Cocinando": (Fania, 1972)
- This selection is taken from the CD titled, "Que Viva La Musica"

7. "Work Song": (Concord Picante, 1994)
- This selection is taken from the CD titled, "Taboo"

8. "Indestructible": (Fania, 1973)
- This selection is taken from the CD titled, "Indestructible". This
selection served as the coming out party for Tito Allen, on vocals, Artie
Webb on flute, and Ray Romero on percussion. The arrangements were made by
Louie Cruz. This is my favorite Ray Barretto selection to play in either a
club,or after party setting. This selection is special, because it
introduced me to his music, and I've been a lifelong fan of his ever since.