Biografía

7 de abril de 1917 · La Habana, Cuba

1 de febrero de 2003 · Miami, Florida, Estados Unidos (un ictus)

Ramón Santamaría Rodríguez

He always played the conga drums with his fingers wrapped in leather

Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume 7, 2003-2005, pages 492-494. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2007.

Cuban percussionist and band leader, in the U.S. from the late 1940's. First came to note as a sideman with Tito Puente. Along with Willie Bobo gained more widespread popularity after joining vibraphonist Cal Tjader's band for three years. Composed the standard "Afro Blue". Formed his own Latin/Jazz fusion group in New York in 1962, recording for Riverside Records. His biggest hit was the Herbie Hancock composition "Watermelon Man".

Survived by his six children, Nancy Anderson, Jose(Monguito) Felicia, Rosa, Felipe, Ileana, two sisters, Alicia Valdez, and Rosa Mendiola, and eight grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.