Manny Oquendo
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Biography
Born in New York City, New York on January 1, 1931, Manny Oquendo was a percussionist of Puerto Rican ancestry who specialized on the bongos and timbales. He began studying percussive instruments in 1945, working with Tropical and Latin music ensembles led by Luciano âChanoâ Pozo, Pupi Campo, Carlos Valero, José Budet, Luis del Campo, and others. In 1950, he became the bongo player in Tito Puenteâs band, moving on to play with Tito Rodriguez in 1954 and Vicentico Valdés the following year. Manny Oquendo spent the rest of the decade working as a freelance sideman, appearing on recordings by Paul Quinichette and others. In 1961, he joined Eddie Palmieriâs Conjunto La Perfecta, appearing on albums such as Eddie Palmieri y La Perfecta (1961), El Molestoso (1962), Azúcar paâ Ti (1965), and Mozambique (1966). While a member of Palmieriâs band, Manny Oquendo was essential in developing the New York-style of the Mozambique rhythm. After a decade with Palmieri, he broke away to form Conjunto Libre in 1974, a band he co-led with bassist Andy González. They band â also known as Libre â scored an international hit with 1983âs âLittle Sunflowerâ. Manny Oquendo continued to collaborate with artists and recorded a series of albums as a leader including Mejor que Nunca (1994), Ahora (1999), and Los New Yorkinos (2000). Manny Oquendo died on March 25, 2009.
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Albums
Top Tracks
- Track Popularity
- Llora Timbero
- Despierta Emilia featuring Manny Oquendo
- Que Humanidad
- Bailala La Pronto
- Elena Elena
- Little Sunflower
- Estoy Como Nunca featuring Manny Oquendo
- Estoy Como Nunca
