Johnny Ray

Born in Puerto Rico as Johnny Zamot, Johnny Ray took up Latin percussion during his New York years and formed the Johnny Zamot Band before landing a contract with Decca Records. The group soon broke through when the tropical number “Fat Mama” climbed the charts as his debut hit. He later fronted Society 76, whose lineup included trumpet players Ray Maldonado and Larry Spencer, trombonist José Rodríguez, and pianist Paquito Pastore, and the ensemble scored successes with “Bandolera” and “You're My Everything.” After launching his own imprint and issuing Suavecito and Dale Pa'rriba, Johnny Ray joined Univision Music Group and delivered Romantico con Salsa in 2001.