Artist:Bobby Valentin
Song:Papel de Payaso
Album:Bobby's Best
Bassist Bobby Valentin is probably best known for his early 70s stint with The Fania All Stars. He has led his own band since the 60s. He was born June 9, 1941 in Orocovis, Puerto Rico. His father taught him to play guitar. After his mother's 1947 death, Valentin moved to Coamo to live with his older sister. That's where he was raised. Valentin formed a trio at age 11 and they won a local talent contest. Valentin played guitar and sang. He attended the Jose I. Quinton Academy of Music and learned to play the trumpet. Valentin moved with his family to New York City in 1956. After graduating high school, Valentin played in bands led by Joe Quijano and Willie Rosario. He joined Tito Rodriguez' band in 1963 and started writing arrangements. Valentin started his own band in 1965 and signed with Fania. His debut album Young Man with a Horn was released in 1966. The album was produced by Fania co-owner Johnny Pacheco. His singer was Marcelino Morales. Morales was replaced by Frankie Hernandez and then Victor Santiago. Santiago is the singer on Papel de Payaso. The 1971 album Rompecabezas was Santiago's first full album in the band. By this time, Larry Harlow was Fania's musical director. He produced this album and played vibraphone. Valentin wrote the arrangements and played bass. Valentin also toured with The Fania All Stars. In 1975, Valentin left Fania to start his own Bronco label. This comp has all of his Fania hits. Valentin still performs live. He last recorded in 2018. Here's Bobby Valentin with Victor Santiago on vocals performing Papel de Payaso.
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