School of Rock
Random article All articles A–Z
2 languages

Rubén Blades

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Rubén Blades was born in 1948 in Panama City. He is a singer, composer, actor, activist and politician and plays mainly salsa and Latin jazz. He studied political science and law in Panama. In 1970 he made his American debut with the album De Panamá a New York by the orchestra of Pete Rodriguez. In 1974 he moved to the United States, where he started in the mailroom of Fania Records and began working with Ray Barretto and Larry Harlow. The collaboration with the trombonist Willie Colón followed.

Music and breakthrough

His first real hit was Pablo Pueblo on the 1977 album Metiendo Mano. In 1978 he wrote El Cantante, which Héctor Lavoe recorded and which gave him his best-known song. The 1978 album Siembra by Blades and Colón became the best-selling salsa album ever, with Pedro Navaja as its best-known song. Tiburón from 1981 protested against American interventions in Latin America. In 1984 he moved to Elektra and formed his band Seis del Solar, with the album Escenas. He also collaborated with Elvis Costello and Linda Ronstadt.

Influence

Blades brought lyrical depth to salsa, dance music with stories about daily life and politics. He also acted in films such as Crossover Dreams and later in Fear the Walking Dead. In 1994 he made a bid for the presidency of Panama and received 17 per cent of the vote. In 2004 he became minister of tourism.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Pedro Navaja from Siembra and follow the story in the lyrics. Notice how the band supports the story of the street character.

Discography

Studio albums

Categories: Artists