Adalberto Santiago

Adalberto Santiago born in Ciales, Puerto Rico. Throughout his life, was influenced and inspired by the vocal styles of such people as Beny More, Chapottin, Pancho Alonso and Miguelito Cuni. These free-style singers helped him form a style of singing that has turned him into one of the most popular vocalists of Latin music.

He began singing with tríos and added dimension to them by playing guitar and bass. His first orchestral experience came with Chuito Veléz. He then sang with Willie Rodríguez and Willie Rosario and he was also known as the Puerto Rican Elvis Presley. In 1966 Adalberto Santiago became the lead vocalist for the legendary Ray Barretto’s Orchestra. After captivating the Salsa community with a string of hits with Barretto, Adalberto joined Típica 73, where he felt he had a greater chance to express himself in a new musical setting and environment. Perfecting his style of singing, he then joined Los Kimbos, where his popularity reached unimaginable heights.

During this same time period he made he made several recording with such legends as Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Louie Ramirez, Roberto Roena and Fania All-Stars. Adalberto has recorded over 50 albums several which have turned Gold. He is one of the most requested back-up vocalists Latin albums and soundtracks.

He won the first Presidential Award in the Festival de los Soneros held in Venezuela. He has toured almost all the world and became the vocal coach for such artists as Emmanuel, Ray Sepulveda and Linda Ronstadt. He recently appeared in the "Caribbean Carnival" in Japan as a special quest star with The Gran Combo of Puerto Rico. Adalberto was also touring all the European capitals in the summer of 1994 as well as doing the 30^th Anniversary tour with the Fania All-Star.

Adalberto has performed on many popular television shows worldwide and has appeared in such movie as Our Latin Thing, Salsa, Moscow on the Hudson as well as doing the soundtrack for Carlito’s Way. Adalberto Santiago’s most exciting quality is his ability to draw crowds together with his singing style and make everyone enjoy the love he has for his music. As Adalberto is known for saying "Que Viva La Música Nuestra" which means "May Latin Music Live On"

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