The Legacy of Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound: A Journey Through Salsa History
Roberto Roena was a legendary Puerto Rican percussionist and bandleader who left a lasting impact on the world of salsa music. As the leader of his band, Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound, he blended traditional rhythms with innovative styles, creating music that continues to inspire listeners today.
Early Life and Formation of Apollo Sound
Born on January 16, 1940, in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Roberto Roena showed a passion for music from a young age. He began his career as a dancer but soon discovered his talent for percussion. In 1969, inspired by the Apollo 11 moon landing, he formed his own band, naming it Apollo Sound to symbolize reaching new heights.
Musical Style and Innovation
Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound stood out for their unique fusion of salsa with elements of jazz, funk, and rock. This innovative approach set them apart and contributed to the evolution of salsa music.
Notable Albums
1. Apollo Sound 5 (1973)
This album is considered one of their masterpieces. It features the hit song “Que Se Sepa”, which became an anthem in the salsa community. The album showcases the band’s tight arrangements and Roena’s skillful percussion.
2. Lucky 7 (1976)
“Lucky 7” continued their streak of successful albums. It includes tracks like “Traición” and “Herencia Rumbero”, highlighting the band’s versatility and deep connection to Afro-Caribbean rhythms.
3. Apollo Sound 6 (1974)
This album introduced fans to songs like “El Progreso” and “Cui Cui”, further establishing the band’s reputation for creative compositions and energetic performances.
4. Apollo Sound 10 (1982)
Demonstrating their longevity, this album features “Mi Desengaño”, a track that resonates with heartfelt emotion and showcases Roena’s growth as a musician and bandleader.
Impact on Music and Humanity
Roberto Roena’s contributions went beyond entertainment; he believed in music’s power to unite people. As Spanish writer Miguel de Unamuno once said, “El hombre es el hombre y su circunstancia” (“Man is man and his circumstances”), highlighting how our environment shapes us. Roena’s music reflected the joys and struggles of his community, connecting listeners through shared experiences.
Another fitting quote is from Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset: “Yo soy yo y mi circunstancia, y si no la salvo a ella no me salvo yo” (“I am myself and my circumstance, and if I do not save it, I do not save myself”). This emphasizes the importance of embracing and improving our surroundings, much like how Roena used his music to uplift others.
Legacy
Roberto Roena passed away on September 23, 2021, but his influence lives on. His willingness to innovate paved the way for future generations of musicians. His dedication to his craft reminds us of the words of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda: “Podrán cortar todas las flores, pero no podrán detener la primavera” (“They can cut all the flowers, but they cannot stop the spring”). Roena’s music continues to bloom, inspiring new artists and delighting fans around the world.
Conclusion
Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound remain icons in the world of salsa. Their music not only entertained but also brought people together, embodying the universal language of humanity. As we listen to their timeless songs, we celebrate the rich legacy of a band that reached for the stars and invited us all to join them on their journey.
Personal thoughts…
Our planet is facing an unprecedented Climate and Ecological Emergency that we can no longer ignore. Adaptive resiliency is not just a buzzword—it’s an absolute necessity. There’s no question about this fact: we must adapt and strengthen our ability to withstand the environmental changes that are already unfolding. The urgency is real, and the time to act is now.
Those who continue denying or hesitating must realize that being proactive about self-protection is far better than wasting time waiting for others to change. The consequences of inaction are too severe to gamble on the choices and behaviors of others. It’s imperative that each of us takes responsibility for our role in mitigating the effects of climate change.
The Climate Emergency will not be kind to those who remain passive. Nature doesn’t negotiate, and it won’t wait for us to catch up. If we don’t step over the outdated ways of thinking and evolve, the times ahead will be much tougher. The piece of history lying on the ground represents old habits and resistance to change—we must move beyond it to forge a sustainable future.
Initiatives like ClimateTribe.com are on the horizon, aiming to bring people together to address these pressing issues. By uniting as a community, we can share resources, ideas, and support to make a tangible difference. Collaboration and collective action are our strongest tools in facing the challenges ahead.
The looming climatic effects are deeply worrisome—they are threats that will soon be at our doorsteps. This isn’t a distant concern; it’s an immediate crisis that requires our full attention and earnest effort. Let us channel our concern into action, embracing adaptive resiliency to protect ourselves and future generations. The time for change is upon us, and together, we can rise to meet it.
See exit235.com for a repost of these thoughts with additional content…
