Louie Ramirez

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Louie Ramirez with Warren Chiasson (left) and Tito Puente (right).

Louie Ramirez (February 24, 1938 – June 7, 1993)[1] was an American salsa and latin jazz percussionist, vibraphonist, arranger and composer. He co-wrote with Johnny Pacheco the 1961 hit "El Güiro De Macorina".[2] He has been called "the Quincy Jones of Salsa."[3][4]

Biography

Ramirez was born in New York City, the son of Puerto Rican parents. [2]

Career

He made his professional debut with Joe Loco's band in 1956, replacing vibraphonist Pete Terrace.[2] Ramirez made his own debut as a bandleader in 1964, with Introducing Louie Ramirez (Remo Records).[2] He subsequently recorded for Alegre, Fania, Atco, United Artists, Caiman, FNA and RMM Records.[4][5]

He partnered with Charlie Palmieri and Joe Cuba from 1965 to 1968.[2] With Tito Rodriguez he released the album Tito Rodríguez y Louie Ramírez En Algo Nuevo in 1972; and also recorded with Ray de La Paz. [2] He became a staff producer at Fania in 1975.[2] He appeared as a sideman or a production assistant on many recordings by other artists, such as Willie Colón, in the 1970s.[4]

Death

On June 7, 1993, while driving along Junction Boulevard in Queens, New York, Ramirez suffered a fatal heart attack,[3] at the age of 55.[1] He was recording his third album with the singer Ray De La Paz. It was entitled Preparate Bailador.

References

  1. "Louie Ramirez". Nts.live. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  2. Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 2037/8. ISBN 0-85112-939-0.
  3. Jackie Nuñez, "Remembering Louie Ramírez" Archived 2014-03-18 at the Wayback Machine, Viva La Música NY Style…Y Más.
  4. "Vinile Mania". Vinilemania.net. Archived from the original on 18 June 2008. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  5. AllMusic discography