Bobby Valentin (also known as El Rey del Bajo (King of The Bass) was born June 9, 1941 in Orocovis (Puerto Rico). He is a musician, and a salsa bandleader. Bobby Valentin (born Roberto Valentin), was taught guitar by his father at an early age. His mother passed away in 1947. He moved to Coamo with his older sister, where he was educated and trained in music. He was 11 years old when he took part in a talent contest. The trio he had founded was the winner. The trio won first place. He sang and played guitar. He was suggested by a teacher to attend the Jose I. Quinton Academy of Music. Here he learned how to play the trumpet. Bobby moved to New York City with his family in 1956 to attend high school. He continued taking music lessons. He joined Joe Quijano in 1958 to play, but soon after, he was joined by Willie Rosario who, too, came from the same area and also played in his band. Bobby was hired by Tito Rodriguez in 1963. He was too old to be hired for a recording session, but he was offered a job and was included in his regular band. In 1964, Bobby traveled with Tito’s orchestra twice to Venezuela. He also composed musical arrangements for Tito, Charlie Palmieri, Joe Quijano and Willie Rosario. He formed his own band in 1965 and was signed to the Fania Record Label. He recorded “El Mensajero (The Mensenger), and “Young Man With a Horn”. During this time, he held his first concert at Puerto Rico. His bass player didn’t show up in Puerto Rico in 1969. Bobby found someone to play the trombone and he took over the bass. He has been playing the bass in his band since then. He also played the bass for Vicentico Valdes, Raphy Leavitt, and Willie Rosario. Bobby was also musical arranger for Fania All Stars. Bobby quit Fania in 1975 and started his own record label, “Bronco Records”. He released the recordings of Vol 1 and Vol 2 of “Vaya la Carcel”, recorded live at El Oso Balanco, the State Penitentiary. Bobby’s orchestra recorded Cano Estremera, a salsa singer, “Impacto Crea”, and “Siempre en Forma”, as well as “Cuando Uno Se Enamora”, and “When You Fall in Love”. Bobby has helped many others over the years, including Larry Harlow and Ismael Miranda. Bobby Valentin continues to record with his band and his most recent release is “La Gran Reunion”. Bobby Valentin’s 2004 album “En Vivo Desde Bellas Arts”, was released on DVD. Visit www.salsaclasica.com
