For a period of 40 years I have been a force which has contributed to the continuous growth of the latin music industry. I had been directly responsible for the success of many of our biggest names in the latin business.

In 1962 I signed an unknown artist named Pete Rodriguez. As a result of my effort and constent dedication, Pete Rodriguez became the hottest recording artist of that time and one of the all time drawing artist. He was crowned "King of Boogaloo"

During the same period I signed another unknown artist, a young boy, 17 years old who had only one LP to his credit. Once again because of my persistence this young artist named Willie Colon is now a living legend.

The stories of my accomplishments are endless. Other Boogaloo/Salsa artist which had success under my guidance and management were Hector Lavoe,Ray Barretto, Ismael Rivera Mongito El Unico, Victor Aviles, Eddie Santiago, and Frankie Ruiz.

During the Boogaloo era in the early 60's, my management company was the main booking agency in New York City, I also managed the hottest artists of that period. They were Ralfi Pagan, Pete Rodriguez, Orq Flamboyant, TNT Boys, La Conspiracion, Orq Colon, Joey Pastrana, King Nando, Ralph Robles, Ray Jay, Lat-Teens, Willie Colon with Hector Lavoe, Johnny Zamot, Kako y Su Combo, Joe Acosta, The New Generation, Landy Nova, Sonora Borinquen, Latin Souls, including merengue bands like Primitivo Santos, Eddie Bastran, Dominica and Hugo Perez.

In the late 60's and early 70's I controlled 90% of the music going to Panama for the carnivals and other national holidays. Other countries in which I was successful in developing prior to the Fania Era were Venezuela, Curacao, Aruba, Martinique, Guadalupe, St.Thomas and St. Croix.

When I opened my booking agency in 1962, during that time very few orchestras were traveling out of the United States. I was one of the first promoters to bring salsa music to places such as Chicago, Ohio, Boston, Washington, Philly, Connecticut, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

I have always been available to anyone who needed help, advice or encouragement. Vitin Aviles has always thanked me for giving him the confidence needed to go out as a soloist. Orchestra Broadway's first trip to Venezuela was booked by me. Ralph Mercado's first trip out of the country, to Curacao as an agent for Eddie Palmieri, was also booked by me.

Jelly Bean Benitez's first DJ booking at a club was done by myself. When Pete Rios, the original founder of Latin New York magazine, only had visions of such a magazine, I took him by the hand and introduced him to everyone in the industry, including Izzy Sanabria.

After the first latin awards night was discontinued, I sponsored a latin awards night at the Cheetah Club in 1972 at my own expense, because I felt it was important to recognize our latin artists and give them credit for their accomplishments.

During the early and late 50's the Bronx was the birth place of the Salsa(Mambo). Most of the best musicians and future name artists resided in the Bronx and so did myself. I started promoting salsa dance parties in the apartments and finished basements. Than I graduated to ballroom dances such as Hunts Point Palace, Club Cubano Inter Americano, Tropicana, Calgate Gardens, New Terrance Gardens and Bronx Casino.

During the 60's there were very few bands residing in Puerto Rico. I was the connection for the New York bands to travel to Puerto Rico. They would perform for all of the graduation dances, Fiestas Patronales, Secretary Day and club dates all over the island. I was one of the first persons to promote Salsa music in Puerto Rico with two associates, Alby Diaz and Fernando Lopez.

During the exotic period of salsa music, I signed another unknown artist named Eddie Santiago and promoted him to stardom, managing his career for 3 years. During the same period I also managed and booked Frankie Ruiz and Lalo Rodriguez.

Then in 1989 history was made again, I discovered Orquesta De La Luz, an all Japanese Salsa orchestra residing in Toyko, Japan. Some of my friends in the salsa industry had told me that I was wasting my time with this attraction and once again because of my dedication to commitment and devotion to latin music, Orquesta De La Luz's success all over the world is well documented. Because Orquesta De La Luz popularity and my influence in creating a Japan Salsa Festival, Japan has been a great market for our artists and record sales. I 'm directly responsible for the following artists performing in Japan: Marc Anthony, Tito Nieves, Jose Alberto, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Los Hermanos Moreno, Milly Jocelyn y Los Vecinos, The New York Band, Ernie Agosto y La Conspiracion, David Cedeno, Elemento 10, Joe Cuba, Carmen Jimenez, Stacey Lopez Dancers, Cubarama Afro-Cuban Jazz Band, Crissy I-cee, Alexsa, and DLG.

In the recent years I have been promoting legendary artists and orchestras such as Israel "Cachao" Lopez, The Machito Orq, and Cubarama Afro-Cuban Jazz Band (formally the Mario Bauzer Orq). My dedication of keeping the Old Big Band School alive is because having knowledge of strong musical roots will always maintain the growth of our latin music.

To name some of the many awards that I have received for my love, dedication and contribution to the Salsa latin music industry are:" THE UNITED NATIONS MEDAL OF HONOR" for promoting Orquesta De La Luz , who drew all different kinds of nationalities under the same roof in concert halls all over the world. Also Mayor Dinkins Proclamation contribution to improving latin relationships in NEW YORK CITY. President Clinton's Commendations letter, keys to the City of Cartagena and recipient of the "SALSAWEB'S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD" at their Second International Convention.

I have always conducted myself with honor, integrity and have brought style and grace to our industry. QUE VIVA NUESTRA MUSICA!!!!!!!