Ray Barretto

Credited as the first US-born percussionist to put the conga into jazz; huge jazz-sideman discography; 'El Watusi' (1962, pachanga hit); 'Acid' (1968,...

Ray Barretto was the New York conguero who moved from Harlem jam sessions to Latin jazz combos, José Curbelo's band, and Tito Puente's orchestra before leading his own. His 'Pachanga With Barretto' and 'Charanga Moderna' bridged charanga, commercial success, and jazz credibility, and 'El Watusi' became the first Latin number to enter Billboard's Top 20. He was a major broker between Latin dance bands and the jazz world.

Role

percussionist, bandleader

Era

Fania-Era Salsa

Genre

Salsa (Fania era)

Origin

Brooklyn, New York, United States