Héctor Lavoe (1946–1993), born Héctor Juan Pérez Martínez, was a legendary Puerto Rican singer widely regarded as "El Cantante de los Cantantes" (The Singer of Singers). As a primary architect of the salsa movement in New York, his charismatic stage presence and emotive vocal style helped popularize the genre worldwide during the 1960s, '70s, and '80s.
Rubén Blades is a multifaceted Panamanian icon—a Grammy-winning musician, acclaimed actor, lawyer, and politician. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in salsa history, known for introducing socially conscious and poetic lyrics to the genre.
Based in Los Angeles, Trombor is a premier salsa ensemble dedicated to preserving the raw, urban energy of the 1970s New York 'Salsa Dura' movement. Their sound pays homage to the legendary trombone-led arrangements of Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe, while channeling the sophisticated rhythmic drive of icons like Rubén Blades, Eddie Palmieri, and Celia Cruz.