Louie Ramirez (February 24, 1938 – June 7, 1993) was an American boogaloo, salsa and latin jazz percussionist, vibraphonist, band leader and composer. He co-wrote with Johnny Pacheco the 1961 hit "El Güiro De Macorina". He has been called "the Quincy Jones of Salsa."
Biography
Ramirez was born in Manhattan, New York City, United States. Son of Puerto Rican parents living in New York City. He made his professional debut with Joe Loco's band in 1956, replacing vibraphonist Pete Terrace. Ramirez made his own debut as a bandleader in 1963, with Introducing Louie Ramirez (Rmo Records). He subsequently recorded for Alegre, Fania, Atco, United Artists Records, Caiman, FNA and RMM Records & Video.
He partnered with Charlie Palmieri and Joe Cuba from 1965 to 1968. With Tito Rodriguez he released the LP Tito Rodríguez y Louie Ramírez En Algo Nuevo in 1972, and Ray de La Paz. He became a staff producer at Fania in 1975. He appeared as a sideman or a production assistant on many recordings by other artists, such as Willie Colón, in the 1970s.
On June 7, 1993, while driving along Junction Boulevard in Queens, New York, Ramirez suffered a fatal heart attack, at the age of 55. He was recording his third album with the singer Ray De La Paz. It was entitled Preparate Bailador.
References
- ^ "Louie Ramirez". Nts.live. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
- ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 2037/8. ISBN 0-85112-939-0.
- ^ Jackie Nuñez, "Remembering Louie Ramírez" Archived 2014-03-18 at the Wayback Machine, Viva La Música NY Style…Y Más.
- ^ "Vinile Mania". Vinilemania.net. Archived from the original on 18 June 2008. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
- AllMusic discography
External links
- Louie Ramirez discography at Discogs
- Louie Ramirez at Vinilemania