Biography
Since 1973 Roberto Roena maintained membership in the Fania All Stars while establishing himself as a leading figure in Latin percussion. Beyond fronting his own ensemble Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound, he supplied bongos and congas to prominent Latin artists such as Ruben Blades, Tito Cruz, Papo Sanchez, Adalberto Santiago, Elias Lopes, and Julio "Gunda" Merced. Early notice arrived when he backed Ismael Rivera on the daily television program El Show de Cortijo y Su Combo. Airing every day from 1954 through 1955, the broadcast confirmed Roena’s standing among Puerto Rico’s finest percussionists. He continued with that ensemble until 1962, at which point he entered Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. In 1969 he launched his own band and sustained regular performances into the 2000s. Roberto Roena died on September 23, 2021, in Cali, Colombia, at the age of 81.
Albums

Los Rostros de la Salsa
2017

Greatest Hits
2008

La Herencia
2007

Mi Musica
2006

Estamos Gozando
2005

Puerto Rico Jazz Jam
2002

Poderoso
1994

Que Suerte He Teñido De Nacer
1993

Super Apollo 47:50
1982

Looking Out For "Numero Uno"
1981

El Progreso
1978

La 8va Maravilla
1978

Lucky 7
1976

Apollo Sound 3
1969
Singles

