Gilberto Santa Rosa

Gilberto Santa Rosa was born on 21 August 1950, in Santurce, Puerto Rico and today is known as "El Caballero de la Salsa" (the gentleman of salsa). At the age of 24, Santa Rosa made his debut as a solo artist and orchestra director. He was guided by Rafel Ithier, his mentor and founder of the legendary salsa group El Gran Combo.

In 1976 he started with a group of amateurs in Puerto Rico, and his first recording was with the Mario Ortiz Orchestra. He then moved on to Orquesta La Grande, and during the two years Gilberto was with them, he met Mr. Elias Lopés who later helped mold and polish the promising young singer, releasing three recordings.

Ever since he was a child, Santa Rosa exhibited not only great interest in music, but natural talent as well. As a teenager, he held his first concert, and shortly thereafter became the lead singer for La Grande orchestra.     

Santa Rosa ’s inimitable talent for the “soneo” or improvisation that can take place during a salsa song, made him famous beyond the coasts of Puerto Rico , and soon won him fans all over the world. In 1995, Santa Rosa made history as the first tropical musical interpreter to perform at the famous Carnegie Hall Theater.  

Now, he is equally loved by fans of both tropical and romantic music. Everyday, this is the inevitable reality faced by Gilberto Santa Rosa: tropical music fans claim him as their own, while those passionately in love with romantic music do the same.  

Thus, in order to create that perfect balance, Santa Rosa and Sony Discos will launch what is without a doubt the most ambitious album of his career Viceversa in September.  The first single “Por Mas Que Intento” was written for Santa Rosa by renowned composer/producer Kike Santander. This is the first time these two musical giants have joined forces. The song has been very popular in both tropical and romantic radio formats.  In Viceversa, Santa Rosa also joins forces with his long-time producer Jose M. Lugo, who has played a key role in transforming Santa Rosa into the “Salsa Gentleman”.

ALBUMS

Viceversa (09/03/2002)

Caballero de La Salsa, Vol. 2 (11/19/1996)


Also Appears On

Gilberto Santa Rosa (12/11/2001) by Gilberto Santa Rosa
Credited Role: Repertoire

Ultimo Adios (The Last Goodbye) (11/13/2001) by Various Artists
Credited Role: Vocals

No Te Quites La Ropa (01/01/1989) by Pedro Conga Y Su Orquesta Internaciona
Credited Role: Vocals (Background)

LINKS:

musicofpuertorico.com

prpop.org

salsaweb.com

sonydiscos.com

prproductions.net  PR Productions photos

delafont.com

                                       last updated:Monday August 29, 2005

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