Bobby Valentín

Bobby Valentin a.k.a. “El Rey del Bajo” (King of the Bass) was borne in June 9th 1941. He is a musician and salsa bandleader.

Valentin (brith name: Roberto Valentin) was born in Orocovis, . He was taught by his father to play the guitar at a young age. When his mother died in 1947,he went to live with his older sister and was raised in the town of Coamo; there he received his primary education and studied music. When he 11 years old, he participated in a local talent contest with a trio which he had formed. He played the guitar and sang for the trio and they won the first place prize. One of his teachers suggested that he attend the Jose I. Quinton Academy of Music, which he did – here he learned to play the trumpet.

In 1956, Valentin moved with his family to where he attended George Washington High School and continued to take music lessons. In 1958, he went to play for Joe Quijano but, shortly after he joined Willie Rosario, who also came from his same neighborhood and played in his band. Musical career

In 1963, Valentin joined Tito Rodriguez (after not being hired by Tito in a recording session because of his age, he was given a chance and was added to his regular band) and traveled twice with Tito’s orchestra to Venezuela. He also made musical arrangements for Tito and at times for Charlie Palmieri, Joe Quijano, Willie Rosario, and . In 1965, he formed his own band and was signed by the Fania Record Label. He recorded “El Mensajero” (The Messenger) and “Young Man With a Horn”. He held his first concert in Puerto Rico during that period of time. Recordings

While in Puerto Rico, in 1969, his bass player did not show up. Valentin found someone to play the trumpet and he played the bass. Since then, he has played the bass for his band. He has also played the bass on occasion, for the bands of Willie Rosario, Raphy Leavitt and Vicentico Valdés (he produced one of Valdés’ albums, even writing its string arrangements as a personal goal). Valentin was also the musical arranger for the Fania All Stars, and is featured in a live recording of the conglomerate’s song “ Fania” (which he also wrote) playing a bass guitar solo.

In 1975, Valentin left Fania and founded his own record label “Bronco Records” and released the recordings of “Va a la Carcel” Vol 1 and Vol 2, recorded “live” at “El Oso Blanco”, Puerto Rico’s oldest state penitentiary. At the time, was the singer on Valentín’s band; his biggest hit with Valentín was “Soy Boricua”, an ode to Puerto Rican nationality that has since become a patriotic song for the pro-independence faction of the island. In 1978, salsa singer Cano Estremera made his singing debut with Valentin’s orchestra and recorded various major hits for the band, particularly the Roberto Angleró song “La boda de ella” and “Manuel García”.[3]

During the years Valentin has been featured in recordings (and occasional live appearances) by , , , and . He also provided backdrop for the Billyván Santiago (Marvin’s youngest brother) song “Mata la cucaracha”, a sleeper hit in Puerto Rico during the 2002 Christmas season. Later years

Valentin continues to record and play with his band, he released “La Gran Reunion” (The Grand Reunion). In 2004, Valentin’s “En Vivo Desde Bellas Artes” was released in DVD form. As of 2006, Valentin’s “El Caiman” can be heard (or played) in the video game Scarface. His last disc called “Evolución” was released in 2008. Videos:

Credits

Year Album Artist “Live” In Puerto Fania All- 2012 Rico: June 11, Arranger, Bass Stars 1994 Fania All- 2012 Anthology Composer Stars Fania All- 2012 Greatest Hits Composer Stars 2012 La Salsa Vive N’Klabe Composer Long Live 2012 Primary Artist El Barrio: The Ultimate Collection of Composer, 2011 Latin Boogaloo, Primary Artist Disco, Funk & Soul 1964-1980: The 2011 Primary Artist Original Sound of Latin New York John Leguizamo: Ghetto Klown – 2011 Composer Music from My Hood Fania All- 2011 Live in Africa Bass Stars Year Album Artist Gilberto 2010 Irrepetible Arranger Santa Rosa Ponte Duro: The Bass, Composer, Fania All- 2010 Fania All Stars Trumpet, Vocals Stars Story (Background) A Man and His Featured Tite Curet 2009 Songs: Alma de Artist, Primary Alonso Poeta Artist Historia de La Bobby 2009 Primary Artist Salsa Valentín Fania All- Arranger, Bass 2009 San Juan 73 Stars (Electric) Tributo 45 Mario E. 2009 Bajo Sexto Aniversario Ortiz Arranger, Bajo Sexto, Bobby 2008 35 Aniversario Composer, Valentín Mezcla, Primary Artist 35 Aniversario: Bobby 2008 Vuelve a La Primary Artist Valentín Cárcel Afro Cuban 2008 Snowboy Primary Artist Kaleidoscope 2008 Bionico Bio Ritmo Composer Composer, 2008 Boogaloo, Vol. 1 Primary Artist Arranger, Bass, Campeones: A Band Fania All- 2008 Composer, and Their Music Stars Soloist Classicos de Vicentico 2008 Bajo Sexto Vicentico Valdes Valdés Year Album Artist 2008 Dance the Latin Primary Artist Vicentico 2008 En La Lejanía Featured Artist Valdés Bobby 2008 Greatest Hits Primary Artist Valentín Hot and Spicy Salsa Hits 2008 Primary Artist [Madacy Latino 2008] Leyendas de La 2008 Primary Artist Fania, Vol. 6 Leyendas de La 2008 Primary Artist Fania, Vol. 8 Arranger, Bass, Bobby Coros, Leader, 2008 Musical Seduction Valentín Primary Artist, Producer Orquesta La Executive 2008 No. 7 Mulenze Producer Puerto Orquesta Puerto Executive 2008 Rican Power Rican Power Producer Orchestra 2008 Salsa One Primary Artist Salsa: A Musical 2008 Primary Artist History Soneros Con 2008 Producer Clave, Vol. 1 & 2 Te Damos Las Orquesta La Executive 2008 Gracias Mulenze Producer Composer, 2008 Tropical Legends Primary Artist Year Album Artist Unique: 30th Willie 2008 Arranger Anniversary Rosario Wicked Jazz 2008 Primary Artist Sounds, Vol. 5 Bobby 2007 Anonymous Primary Artist Valentín Anonymous Bobby 2007 Primary Artist [Reavers Remix] Valentín Anonymous Bobby 2007 Primary Artist [Richmann Remix] Valentín DJ Snowboy’s Afro 2007 Cuban Primary Artist Kaleidoscope Marc 2007 El Cantante Composer Anthony Fania DJ Series: Gilles 2007 Primary Artist Gilles Peterson Peterson Fania Signature, 2007 Vol. III – Primary Artist Boogaloo Fania Signature, 2007 Vol. IV – Hard Primary Artist Salsa Bobby 2007 La Herencia Primary Artist Valentín Larry Harlow and Larry 2007 Latin Legends of Composer Harlow Fania Latin Cool 2007 Primary Artist [Metro] Year Album Artist Latin Hot 2007 (Smoking Salsa & Primary Artist Sizzling Grooves) Latin Legends: 2007 The Connoisseurs Primary Artist Collection Latin Legends: 2007 The Sensual Primary Artist Classics Leyendas de la 2007 Primary Artist Fania, Vol. 2 Leyendas de la 2007 Primary Artist Fania, Vol. 4 Rumba at the Composer, 2007 Palladium, Vol. 1 Primary Artist 2007 Salsa Party Primary Artist Signature Fania: 2007 Primary Artist Hot Salsa The Bad Boogaloo: Composer, 2007 The Nu Yorican Primary Artist Sounds 1966-1970 A to Z: The Cuban 2006 Primary Artist Brothers Cali Concert Fania All- 2006 Guest Artist [DVD] Stars Mark 2006 Cuban Roots Main Personnel Weinstein Victor 2006 Decisión Unámine Arranger Manuelle Fania: Leyendas 2006 Primary Artist Latinas Cocteles Year Album Artist Fania: Leyendas 2006 Primary Artist Latinas Romance Guaguanco! Origen 2006 Primary Artist de La Salsa Hay Craneo/Aqui Bobby 2006 Primary Artist No Me Quedo Valentín Romanticos Muchos 2006 Primary Artist Mas Recuerdos We Love Salsa: Capture the 2006 Primary Artist Ultimate Sound of Summer Arranger, De Frente y La Salsa 2005 Coros, Musical Luchando Mayor Direction Johnny Arranger, Bajo 2005 Entre Amigos Pacheco Sexto 2005 Explosivos Primary Artist Hot Sweat: The Fania All- 2005 Best of Fania Performer Stars All-Stars Live Puerto Rican Masters: Tributo 2005 Composer Al Sonero del Pueblo [DVD] 2005 Slow Down Bobby V Primary Artist Slow Down [1 Bobby 2005 Primary Artist Track] Valentín The Rough Guide Composer, 2005 to Boogaloo Primary Artist Tribute to Fania Gerardo 2005 Arranger All Stars Rosales Year Album Artist Arranger, Bajo Gilberto Sexto, Bass 2004 Auténtico Santa Rosa Instrument, Main Personnel Como Nunca…Como Bajo Sexto, 2004 Limi-T 21 Siempre Group Member Live at Yankee Fania All- 2004 Musician Stadium Stars Composer, 2004 Salsa Heat! Primary Artist Latin Soul: New Composer, 2003 York Barrio Primary Artist Grooves 1966-1972 NuYorican Funk 2003 Experience, Vol. Primary Artist 3 Puerto 2003 Salsa Another Day Rican Power Arranger Orchestra Aqui Esta La Bobby 2002 Primary Artist Salsa Valentín Cheo 2002 En La Intimidad Arranger Feliciano Composer, 2002 Harmless: Sampler Primary Artist Luis 2002 Jamming “Perico” Bajo Sexto Ortíz Le Preguntaba a Victor Arranger, Bajo 2002 la Luna Manuelle Sexto Milly Arranger, Bajo 2002 Pienso Asi Quezada Sexto Year Album Artist Que Pasa?: The Fania All- 2002 Best of Fania Bass Stars All-Stars Gilberto 2002 Viceversa Arranger Santa Rosa Yo! Hot Latin 2002 Funk from el Primary Artist Barrio Concierto del 2001 Primary Artist Amor Arranger, 2001 Despues de Todo Tony Vega Director Victor 2001 Instinto y Deseo Arranger, Bass Manuelle Gilberto 2001 Intenso Arranger Santa Rosa Jam Session 2001 Composer Feeling La Negra Tiene 2001 Celia Cruz Arranger Tumbao Bobby Composer, 2001 Many Sides Valentín Primary Artist 2001 Salsa Hits Son by 4 Arranger Salsa Selecta: A Composer, Taste of 2001 Performer, Nuyorican Latin Primary Artist Flavours Saoco! Masters of 2001 Bass Afro-Cuban Jazz Puerto 2001 Wild Wild Salsa Rican Power Arranger Orchestra Year Album Artist Composer, Guitar (Bass), 2000 Broasted or Fried Primary Artist, Trumpet Congreso Nacional 2000 Arranger de la Salsa Performer, 2000 Fania Superhits Primary Artist Grandes del 2000 Arranger Bolero [Fania] Bajos, Mezcla, Musical Bobby 2000 La Gran Reunion Direction, Valentín Primary Artist, Producer Puerto 2000 Men in Salsa Rican Power Arranger, Bass Orchestra Un Consejo: A 2000 Angelo Rene Composer Word of Advice 100% Salsa, Vol. 1999 Arranger 1 Back to the Willie Guest Artist, 1999 Future Rosario Producer Gilberto 1999 Expresión Arranger, Bass Santa Rosa Presents…Puerto Humberto 1999 Guest Artist Rico Jazz Jam Ramírez Ritmo Pa’ Bobby Primary Artist, 1999 Goza’/El Valentín Producer Mensajero 1999 Salsa Tango Primary Artist Year Album Artist Up All Night, Composer, Vol. 2: 30 1999 Performer, Underground Soul Primary Artist Hits Arranger, Encuentro Cano 1998 Bandleader, Histórico Estremera Bass, Producer Uno Dos Tres: 1998 Latin Jazz Composer Grooves Fania All- 1997 Bravo 97 Arranger, Bass Stars Gilberto 1997 De Corazón Arranger Santa Rosa Cheo 1997 Greatest Hits Arranger Feliciano Performer, 1997 Maxi Salsa Primary Artist Nu Yorica 2!: Further Adventures in 1997 Bass Chango in the New World 1997 Talkin’ Verve Willie Bobo Composer Yo Soy del Son a 1997 Composer La Salsa Abrazate: Bass Descarga 1996 Descarga Boricua, (Electric), Boricua Vol. 2 Guest Artist Legends of Salsa Bass, Composer, 1996 Bass Primary Artist Year Album Artist Arranger, Bajo Symbol of Bobby Sexto, Mezcla, 1996 Prestige Valentín Primary Artist, Producer Charlie 1996 Watermelon Man Arranger Sepulveda Arranger, Bass, Marvin Cuatro, Musical 1995 Donde Lo Dejamos Santiago Director, Producer Ismael 1995 Ismael Quintana Arranger, Bass Quintana Arranger, Bass, Bass Instrument, Live: June Fania All- Member of 1995 11-1994, Puerto Stars Attributed Rico Artist, Unknown Contributor Role New York Latin 1995 Composer Salsa Y Vuelve Otra Willie 1995 Bass Vez! Colón Louie Main Personnel, 1994 Ali Baba Ramirez Trumpet 1994 Dando En El Punto Punto Final Arranger Jorge 1994 Debutaste En Mi Bass Escobar Arranger, Hermanos 1994 Donde Estabas Tu Mixing, Moreno Producer Year Album Artist El Ritmo Latino: 1994 18 Classic Latin Primary Artist Grooves El Sabor de Ismael 1994 Arranger Puerto Rico Miranda Roberto Y El Yerbero del 1994 Su Nuevo Producer Barrio Montuno Escuela de la Conjunto 1994 Arranger Salsa Chaney Fania 1964-1994: Fania All- Performer, 1994 30 Great Years, Stars Primary Artist Vol. 1 El Gran 1994 La Ruta del Sabor Combo de Arranger Puerto Rico Los Soneros de Performer, 1994 Siempre Primary Artist Salsa Greats, 1994 Primary Artist Vol. 1 Si Me Miras a los 1994 Tony Vega Arranger Ojos Arranger, Willie Unknown 1993 35th Aniversario Rosario Contributor Role Guest Artist, Humberto Unknown 1993 Aspects Ramírez Contributor Role Bobby Bass, Composer, 1993 Bobby’s Best Valentín Primary Artist Year Album Artist Arranger, Distinto y Justo 1993 Mixing, Diferente Betancourt Producer Hecho en Puerto Willie 1993 Bass Rico Colón Victor 1993 Justo a Tiempo… Arranger Manuelle Justo Arranger, Bass, 1993 Lo Sabemos Betancourt Bass (Electric) Me Tienes 1993 Viti Ruiz Arranger Sufriendo Arranger, Cheo Unknown 1993 Motivos Feliciano Contributor Role Gilberto 1993 Nace Aquí Arranger Santa Rosa 1993 Primi Cruz Primi Cruz Arranger Martin Luna 1993 Seduccion Fatal Arranger Mendez 1992 Aparentemente Tony Vega Arranger Bobby Valentin & Bobby Bass, Composer, 1992 Marvin Santiago Valentín Primary Artist Justo 1992 El Explosivo Arranger Betancourt Audio Engineer, Impacto Crea Impacto Producer, 1992 [1992] Crea Recording Technician Super Salsa Jerry Performer, 1992 Greats, Vol. 3 Masucci Primary Artist Year Album Artist Special Performer, 1992 Tesoro Romantico Offer Primary Artist Bass, Executive Bobby 1991 25 Aniversario Producer, Valentín Primary Artist Bobby Bass, Primary 1991 Brujeria Valentín Artist Arranger, Bajo Sexto, Bass, Bobby Coros, Leader, 1991 Como Nunca Valentín Mixing, Primary Artist, Producer En Vivo Desde Bobby 1991 Primary Artist Bella Amaray Valentín Arranger, The Roaring Willie 1991 Executive Fifties Rosario Producer Bobby Bass, Primary 1990 Grandes Exitos Valentín Artist Bobby Bass, Primary 1990 Part Time Lover Valentín Artist Raphy 1990 Somos El Son Mezcla Leavitt Arranger, Bass, Fania All- 1989 Guasasa Guitar (Bass), Stars Main Personnel Live Session, Steve 1989 Arranger, Bass Vol. 2 Nelson Year Album Artist Arranger, Bajo Bobby Sexto, Leader, 1989 Más Amor Valentín Mezcla, Primary Artist Bass, Guitar Fania All- (Bass), Member 1988 Bamboleo Stars of Attributed Artist Arranger, Bajo Sexto, Bass, Bobby Coros, Leader, 1988 Bobby Valentin Valentín Mezcla, Musical Direction, Primary Artist Composer, Guitar (Bass), Live in Japan Fania All- 1986 Member of 1976 Stars Attributed Artist Fania All- 1986 Viva La Charanga Bass Stars Arranger, Bajo Bobby Sexto, Coros, 1985 Algo Excepcional Valentín Leader, Primary Artist Arranger, Bobby Valentin Cano Musical 1982 Presenta Al Cano Estremera Director, Estremera Producer Presenta a el Bobby 1982 Primary Artist Cano Estremera Valentín Bobby Leader, Primary 1981 Siempre en Forma Valentín Artist Year Album Artist The Portrait of a Willie 1981 Arranger Salsa Man Rosario Bass, Bass Instrument, Fania All- Group Member, 1980 California Jam Stars Member of Attributed Artist Arranger, El De a 20 De Willie 1980 Engineering Willie Rosario Director Willie 1979 El Rey del Ritmo Arranger Rosario Charlie 1978 Heavyweight Arranger Palmieri Bobby Bass, Primary 1978 La Boda de Ella Valentín Artist Fania All- 1978 Live in Africa Bass Stars Salsa Greats, Arranger, 1978 Vol. 2 Primary Artist Fania All- 1978 Spanish Fever Bass Stars 1978 The Brillante Celia Cruz Arranger Bass, Bass Fania All- Instrument, 1977 Rhythm Machine Stars Composer, Soloist Year Album Artist Arranger, Bass, Composer, Coro, Bobby 1976 Afuera Leader, Primary Valentín Artist, Producer Delicate and Fania All- Bass, Bass 1976 Jumpy Stars Instrument Arranger, Bass, Live at Yankee Fania All- Guitar (Bass), 1976 Stadium, Vol. 2 Stars Main Personnel, Musician Roberto 1976 Lucky 7 Arranger Roena Fania All- 1976 Salsa Musician Stars Arranger, Bass, Guitar (Bass), Tribute to Tito Fania All- 1976 Member of Rodriguez Stars Attributed Artist Arranger, Bass, Guitar (Bass), Live at Yankee Fania All- 1975 Member of Stadium, Vol. 1 Stars Attributed Artist Willie 1975 Otra Vez Arranger Rosario 1975 Tremendo Caché Celia Cruz Arranger Arranger, Bass, Composer, Va a La Cárcel, Bobby 1975 Leader, Primary Vol. 1 Valentín Artist, Producer Year Album Artist Arranger, Bass, Composer, Va a La Cárcel, Bobby 1975 Leader, Primary Vol. 2 Valentín Artist, Producer Pete “El 1974 El Conde Conde” Arranger Rodríguez Arranger, Audio Production, Bass, Bass (Electric), Bobby 1974 In Motion Director, Valentín Primary Artist, Producer, Vocals, Vocals (Background) Arranger, Bass, Fania All- Bass 1974 Latin-Soul-Rock Stars Instrument, Main Personnel Orchestra 1974 Live in Quad Arranger Harlow Arranger, Audio Production, Bass, Choir/Chorus, Bobby Guitar (Bass), 1974 Rey del Bajo Valentín Main Personnel, Primary Artist, Producer, Vocals, Vocals (Background) Year Album Artist Roberto Roena y Roberto 1974 su Apollo Sound, Arranger Roena Vol. 6 Arranger, Bajo Cheo Sexto, Bass, 1973 Felicidades Feliciano Guitar (Bass), Main Personnel Willie 1973 Infinito Arranger Rosario Bajo Sexto, Bass, Bass Live at the Fania All- Instrument, 1973 Cheetah, Vol. 2 Stars Member of Attributed Artist Arranger, Bass, Guitar (Bass), Bobby 1973 Soy Boricua Leader, Main Valentín Personnel, Primary Artist With a Little Cheo 1973 Help from My Arranger, Bass Feliciano Friend Ismael 1972 Abran Paso! Arranger Miranda Larry 1972 Harlow’s Harem Composer Harlow Composer, Guest Our Latin Thing Fania All- 1972 Artist, (Nuestra Cosa) Stars Musician Arranger, Bass, Cheo 1971 Cheo Guitar (Bass), Feliciano Main Personnel Year Album Artist Let’s Turn On: Bobby Composer, 1971 Arrebatarnos Valentín Primary Artist Arranger, Bass, Bass Instrument, Live at the Fania All- Composer, 1971 Cheetah, Vol. 1 Stars Member of Attributed Artist, Musician Arranger, Bass, Bobby 1971 Rompecabezas Composer, Valentín Primary Artist Arranger, Bass, Bobby Guitar (Bass), 1970 Algo Nuevo Valentín Main Personnel, Primary Artist Bobby Bass, Primary 1970 Huracan Valentín Artist Roberto Roena y Roberto 1970 Arranger su Apollo Sound Roena Me and My Monkey Larry 1969 Composer (Mi Mono y Yo) Harlow Bobby Composer, 1969 Se la Comió Valentín Primary Artist Bass Ray 1968 Hard Hands Instrument, Barretto Main Personnel Performer, Live at the Red Fania All- Unknown 1968 Garter, Vol. 1 Stars Contributor Role Year Album Artist Group Member, Live at the Red Fania All- Member of 1968 Garter, Vol. 2 Stars Attributed Artist Orchestra Harlow Ismael 1968 Presenta a Ismael Arranger, Bass Miranda Miranda 1967 Juicy Willie Bobo Composer Bobby Bass, Primary 1967 Yo, Margarito Valentín Artist Bass, Composer, Bobby 1966 Bad Breath Leader, Primary Valentín Artist, Trumpet 1966 Son con Guaguanco Celia Cruz Arranger Bobby Bass, Primary 1966 Zip Zap Valentín Artist Bobby Bass, Primary 1965 El Mensajero Valentín Artist Young Man with a Bobby Bass, Primary 1965 Horn Valentín Artist Espiritu de Hector Ivan Main Personnel Barrio Rivera Arranger, Composer, Bobby Evolution Mezcla, Primary Valentín Artist, Producer La Bella Epoca de Primary Artist La Salsa, Vol. 6 Live In Zaire 74 Celia Cruz Bass Year Album Artist Our Latin Thing Fania All- Composer, (Nuestra Cosa) – Stars Primary Artist 40 Aniversario Bobby Selecciones Fania Primary Artist Valentín Young Man with a Bobby Horn: Best in Primary Artist Valentín Bugaloo Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Valent%C3%ADn