Latin Jazz Great Ray Barretto Dies
Thursday February 23, 2006
Ray Barretto, one of the most influential Latin percussionists in history, died last week at the age of 76 following open heart surgery in January.
The Puerto Rican jazz drummer known as the 'King of the Hard Hands' is credited with introducing the conga to Latin jazz bands. Perhaps best known for his 1960's hit "El Watusi", Barretto was the first Hispanic artist to reach the top of the American Billboard Charts.
Barretto was buried today in New York City.
The Puerto Rican jazz drummer known as the 'King of the Hard Hands' is credited with introducing the conga to Latin jazz bands. Perhaps best known for his 1960's hit "El Watusi", Barretto was the first Hispanic artist to reach the top of the American Billboard Charts.
Barretto was buried today in New York City.
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