Aldemaro Romero

Pianist and composer Aldemaro Romero is widely cited as the innovator behind his native Venezuela's onda nueva (i.e., "new wave"), which updated the traditional joropo style via rhythms inspired by bossa nova. Born in Valencia on March 12, 1928, Romero began his musical training under the supervision of his father, Rafael, a professional pianist -- by age nine, he was a fixture of Venezuelan radio, and at 13 relocated to Caracas, playing with local orchestras and moonlighting in nightclubs. After touring Cuba in 1949, Romero made his U.S. debut in New York City before returnin...