We are sad to report that Roberto Roena , a Puerto Rican salsa music percussionist, orchestra leader, and dancer has passed away, according to the following statements posted on social media on September 23. 2021.
Roberto Roena (January 30, 1940 Mayagüez, Puerto Rico – September 23, 2021) was a Puerto Rican salsa music percussionist, orchestra leader, and dancer. Roena was one of the original members of El Gran Combo. He later became the leader of his own band, “Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound”, arguably one of the best Latin salsa bands in Puerto Rico. Roena has also been a long-time member of the Fania All Stars, a salsa supergroup that has enjoyed worldwide success since the 1970s.