Search - Pete "El Conde" Rodríguez, Pete Rodriguez :: Touch of Class

Great Album From Puerto Rican Sonero

Tito de León | Miami | 07/26/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Pete Rodriguez acquired the nickname El Conde (The Count) because of his noble bearing and majestic stage presence. He started playing bongos at the age of five, and after working with local groups in Ponce, he relocated to New York in the '50s. There he participated in a number of key milestones in the history of salsa, a history dominated from the mid-'60s by the rise and fall of the Fania Records empire.



Rodriguez was spotted by Johnny Pacheco, NY's most popular bandleader at the time, playing conga and singing in a Bronx bar. In 1973 they recorded their best album, "Tres de Cafe y Dos de Azucar". If you like this man and his golden voice you'll want to pick that one up.



After recording many albums with Pacheco, El Conde decided to go solo. He recorded a handful of solo albums on Fania between 1974 and 1982 retaining the typical Cuban two-trumpet conjunto format used by Pacheco, who directed his bestselling and award winning debut "El Conde" (1974). His 1976 follow-up "Este Negro Si Es Sabroso" , listed by one Latin music website as the ninth best salsa album of all time, spawned his trademark hit "Catalina La O". This album, "A Touch Of Class" (1977), is one of his best salsa albums! The first track "Mi Bongo Antillano" is a sizzler. It also includes "Tambo" written by Ruben Blades.



Pete continued to record album's throughout the 80's and 90's. In 2000 he sang "Marchando Bien" on the Tito Puente/ Eddie Palmieri collaboration Masterpiece on RMM; Puente had previously hired him to provide lead vocals to three tracks on the second and third volumes of his tribute trilogy to Beny More. Tito Puente passed away on May of 2000. Ironically, Rodriguez passed away seven months later. Pete is survived by his wife, son, daughter and his grandchildren.

"

A truly great sonero at his peak.

Justo Roteta | Los Angeles, California United States | 08/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez was one of Fania Records' most important and easily-recognized soneros and this 1977 release was just as powerful as its two predecessors (1974's "El Conde" and 1976's "Este Negro Si Es Sabroso"). Superb production by Louie Ramirez, a powerful and hard-swinging band and Pete's inspired, soulful and at times explosive vocals made for a classic album from start to finish. Check out "Tambo", "Rayo Veloz", "Mi Bongo Antillano" and "Los Genuinos" for confirmation."