Charlie Valentin

b. 10 August 1932, Mexico City, Mexico, d. 27 November 1988, Puerto Rico. One of the most influential figures in the development of contemporary Latin-American music, trumpeter and singer Valentin's achievements up until his premature death in 1988 were considerable. He recorded some 45 albums, created a rhythm - salsa picante - that became a permanent part of Latin music and, through his band the Valentinos, showcased many of Puerto Rico's and Mexico's top musicians. Armed with a penny whistle and folk song repertoire, he played around the street markets of Mexico City before...