Yomo Toro

Yomo Toro is the world's reigning virtuoso performer of the small, guitar-like "cuatro", an instrument descended from the Spanish Vihuela. He was born in Ensenada, Puerto Rico the son of an amateur guitarist, who taught his son all that he knew about this instrument. Yomo continued to play at school and in all of his spare time, and soon started playing in the streets of his pueblo and all over Puerto Rico at an early age. His reputation spread throughout the island and he was invited to play at all private parties of the most political and influential people on the island. 

In the 1950s Yomo Toro brought his style of "Jibaro" folk music to New York City for the first time playing at the Teatro Puerto Rico. He was an instant success. From then on he has become the chief heir to the throne as King of the Jibaro, the Danza, Bomba, Plena, and off course the 10-line Spanish verses called "Decimas".

In 1956 Yomo moved permanently to New York City and started to play with some of the best Latin musicians. He recorded with the greatest musicians and at present has recorded over 150 albums. Yomo starred in his own T.V. show for channel 41 for over seven years weekly called "The Yomo Toro Show" where he met the most exciting Latin personalities in the world during the 60s and 70s. In 1969 he recorded with Larry Harlow's orchestra the "Tribute to Arsenio", which became one of the greatest "Salsa" LP's of a new ears in Latin music. From then on Yomo was included in the famous Fania All-Stars group that has toured the world several times and made some of the best Latin recordings and films of the decade.

Yomo has recorded 20 solo albums as well as backing up the likes of Harry Belafante, Paul Simon, the Barry Sisters and Linda Rondstadt. He is currently recording for Island/Polygram as well as leading his own conjunto worldwide. Since 1994 Yomo joined the forces once again with Larry Harlow, Aldalberto Santiago, and other gifted musicians to become part of the Latin Legends Band who have been playing concerts in all major cities throughout the world. Listen to Yomo Toro and you will warmly welcome his encore performance.

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