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The salsa world is mourning the loss of the much loved singer, Junior González, who passed away Thursday morning just days after his 63rd birthday. The cause was complications with his pancreas and liver.
Junior González was born in May 7, 1949 in Coamo PR. In 1971 he made his first appearance on the legendary Fania label as the lead singer for the groundbreaking Hommy, a Latin Opera which was inspired by the success of Tommy, the rock opera by The Who. The album also featured Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez, Justo Betancourt and Adalberto Santiago.
González recorded many albums with the Harlow orchestra, including, among others, El Jardinero Del Amor, Live In Quad, and Our Latin Feeling.
Gonzalez enjoyed a successful solo career that begain in the late ’70s with albums like Mi Estilo. He balanced the classic New York salsa sound and, in the ’80s, salsa romántica as well.
Later in his career he released Tribute to Héctor Lavoe, Live At La Isla, Ibiza, and his final recording entitled Hommy: 40 Aniversario.
Junior González connected with his audiences on an emotional level, and he will be dearly missed.
Es otra pérdida irreparable. Nos estamos quedando sin los verdaderos soneros y representantes de la tan conocida salsa dura. ¿Quién lo reemplazará?
Comment by Miguel Padilla — May 20, 2012 @ 5:03 pm
From the very beginning when I heard Junior, I knew he stood outside your mainstream style sonero. It was refreshing, but it was also a bold move on Harlow’s part. But then, Larry might have felt some triggering to his Ambergris days with a seemingly “rock” sounding lead singer to take over Miranda’s old reigns.(who incidentally, gained notoriety thanks to Larry Harlow also). I’m 60 y/o & go back to those wonderful glory days when those energetic shows were performed (for the most part)by the same guys on the album. A switching of a singer for an established band on the “Cuchifrito Circuit”was certainly newsworthy & risky. But I give a lot of credit to Larry for putting his trust & faith in Junior Gonzalez – thus,helping launch his career & giving us great material with Junior riding those phrases with his raunchy rough style. Among all the songs I can think of that I dig him singing,2 swirling in my mind right now are,No hay Amigo & Wampo. Like the above article states…..Junior will be missed dearly. Thank you for sharing your spirit with us,& thank you Larry for having a hand in making it happen.
Comment by jb — May 24, 2012 @ 12:19 pm
I, too, mourn the loss of such a talented and charming man. Junior Gonzalez was an integral part of the renaissance of latin music, which was the 70’s. I was fortunate enough to have met him back in 1977 and was always impressed with his abilities and humbleness. Rest in peace, Junior.
Comment by Mel Perez — May 31, 2012 @ 5:36 pm
La salsa ha sido una bendición que nos identifica como pueblo ,que nos da identidad.Júnior ha sido parte de esa generación Salsera que nos ayudo a ser identificados.Si,que es lamentable que muchos de los buenos salseros hayan partido; Si,digo los buenos salseros ,porque entre los buenos Júnior Gonzalez se pasea.Pues fue bendecido para traer alegria a nuestros corazones.La salsa es parte de quien soy porque con ella creció mi amor por la vida al igual que muchos más.Siempre he pensado que la salsa es una bendición de Dios.La música,la melodía ,la clave la inspiración,la interpretación improvisadora han dejado huella en nuestra generación.Doy Gracias! Pues hemos sido dejado una legacía que tenemos que tenemos que hacer disponible para todos los amantes de la salsa en las nuevas generaciones que se levantan..Nos dejaron una legacía de música que por siempre servirá Y que identifica nuestras raíces interiores.Todos los salseros que han existido en esta época para traer a nuestra generación alegria con la inspiración,el talento y los dones musicales que por siempre nuestro pueblo Latino Americano fue intencionado para recibir, si un tesoro musical melodioso que por siempre debemos atesorar y compatir.
Comment by Héctor L Gonzalez — July 1, 2012 @ 7:02 pm
Descanza en Paz y unete a todas las melodias que hoy se tocan en los cielos.
Comment by Héctor L Gonzalez — July 1, 2012 @ 7:13 pm
Gracias jr por toda esas Canciones Bellas que nos dejaste , la musica es la fuente de la juventud , Haora tu estas con todos los grandes en el coro celestial que Dios te habras las puertas del cielo y entres cantando , que Descanses en paz .
Comment by Freddie Garcia — July 30, 2012 @ 10:05 pm