Ismael Rivera: “El Sonero Mayor”

Ismael Rivera, known as “Maelo” and “El Sonero Mayor,” was a Puerto Rican singer and composer who revolutionized the sound of Afro-Caribbean music in the 1950s and 60s. He was also a driving force for the new emerging genre called Salsa in the 60s and 70s. Rivera’s incredible voice, along with his powerful and emotional performing, outstanding timing and improvisational skills made him one of the most celebrated and influential salsa artists of his time.

Rivera learn to sing by listening to Cuban Son singers like Alberto Ruiz, Machito and Camilo Rodriguez. In 1948, at the age of 23, he made his debut in the local music scene alongside his best friend Rafael Cortijo, joining Conjunto Monterrey. Rivera played the congas while Cortijo handled the bongos. Although Rivera aspired to be the lead singer, the position was already filled, and he was denied the opportunity.

In 1952, Ismael Rivera joined Orquesta Panamericana as lead singer. The Plena song “El Charlatan” catapulted him as the #1 singer in Puerto Rico. 

In 1954, Ismael Rivera teamed up with Rafael as the lead vocalist of his Afro-Caribbean group Cortijo y su Combo. Together, they worked to fulfill their childhood dream of globalizing Puerto Rico’s traditional music genres, Bomba and Plena. This ensemble featured musicians that under the Cortijo-Rivera duo mentorship reached exceptionalism, many of whom years later pursued their independent musical paths with outstanding results. Among them were guitarist Rafael Itier and percussionist Roberto Roena, who went on to establish their own and now legendary salsa bands, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and Roberto Roena y su Apolo Sound, respectively.

Cortijo y su Combo emerged not only as key promoters of Puerto Rican traditional Bomba and Plena music, but also as pioneers of the new genre called Salsa. The duo created hundreds of songs, some of which are timeless classics such as El Negro Bembón, Quítate de la Vía Perico, El Chivo de la Campana, and Maquinolandera. They embarked on world tours, consistently selling out venues in multiple American and European countries, which elevated the profile of Puerto Rican music on the global stage.

Unfortunately, in march 21 of 1962, following a journey to Panama with Cortijo y su Combo, Rivera faced arrest for drug possession in Puerto Rico. Reports suggest band members often hid illicit drug shipments, but this time, U.S. Customs inspectors intercepted. Rivera shouldered the blame, shielding others. This incident prompted Cortijo’s Combo dissolution, as Rafael Ithier seized the opportunity to gather the musicians and establish his own band, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.

Ismael Rivera was released from jail after 3 years and 8 months. Fortunately for the world of salsa, he teamed up with Cortijo once again to produce  more albums. At the same time, Rivera established his own band Los Cachimbos. He moved to New York City and released several albums with original songs, some of which became greatest salsa hits of all times: El Nazareno, Qué Te Pasa A Ti, Mi Música, El Niche, La Soledad, Me Tienes Loco, Bilongo, Lo Ultimo en la Evenida.

Ismael Rivera was featured in the Fania All Stars shows, touring the world in the golden era of salsa dura music.

In 1982, the passing of his closest friend, Rafael Cortijo, deeply affected Rivera. Subsequently, his vocal abilities gradually declined, and he was unable to sing again. Rivera passed away in 1987 from a heart attack in his mother’s arms. The people of Puerto Rico flooded the streets to honor their idol. The government declared two days of mourning. In 2001, the Puerto Rico Senate declared Rivera’s birthday, October 5th, as ‘Ismael Rivera Day’. He was posthumously inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame in 2000. 

Even after his passing, Ismael Rivera’s music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, his legacy as a pioneer of salsa music continues to live on, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless salsa artists today, ensuring his eternal presence in the hearts of fans and musicians alike.