Gilberto Monroig
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (May 2015) |
Gilberto Monroig | |
|---|---|
Santurce, Puerto Rico | |
| Genres | Boleros |
| Occupation(s) | Musician and singer |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar |
Gilberto Monroig (July 2, 1930 – May 3, 1996) was a Puerto Rican guitarist, and singer of boleros.
Early years
Monroig's parents moved from the countryside to the city in search of a better way of life and settled in the Villa Palmera sector of Santurce, a section of San Juan where the musical sounds of the bomba and plena and of the tango filled the air. Monroig was born in Santurce, where he received his primary and secondary education. He later moved to New York City and earned his high school equivalent diploma.
When he was ten years old, he would imitate his favorite singer, the famed Argentine singer of tangos, Carlos Gardel. His father once gave his brother, Luis a guitar which Monroig learned to play better than his brother - often resulting in a fight over the instrument. Finally, Monroig's father decided that it would be best if he bought him one also.
Professional singer
| External audio | |
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 You may listen to Gilberto Monroig's "Ya No Me Queda Nada" on YouTube . |
In 1943, at age 13, he joined a group called "Taone" and a year later joined another band by the name of "Maravilla". However, it was when the "Super Orchestra Tropicana" directed by Rafael Elvira
In the early 1950s, Monroig joined Tito Puente's Orchestra and recorded various songs. Among them was "Malcriada" which became a "hit". A favorite in New York played on Radio WADO was the hit single of a sexy bolero "Que Chevere" by singer/composer Miguel Poventud. He would return to Puerto Rico to make many other instant "hits" with the songs "Mujer" (Women) and "Duerme, Margarita" (Sleep, Margarita). He also recorded some songs by composers Pedro Flores and Rafael Hernández. He won his first Gold Record Award in 1959, with "Egoismo".
Later years
Monroig returned to New York and in 1964, he won his second Gold Record Award with "Simplemente Una Ilusión" (Simply an Illusion). He sang for various bands including Tito Puente's and traveled throughout the United States and
Personal life and death
Monroig had two sons and one daughter from two marriages. They are Gilberto Jr., Glenn (who followed in his footsteps) and Linda.
Gilberto Monroig died on May 3, 1996, in Santurce. He was laid to rest in
Legacy
Puerto Rico has honored his memory by naming an avenue in San Juan after him. In 2002, he was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame.
See also
References
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