Bobby Valentín

Bobby Valentin, also known as "El Rey del Bajo" (King of the Bass) (born June 9, 1941), is a musician and salsa bandleader. Valentin, born Roberto Valentin in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, 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...