Li'l Ray Romero - R.I.P.

[tamboricua]

Congaforum,

Just found out that another percussion legend has passed away, Mr. Li'l Ray Romero.

Below is a message posted by percussionist Jimmy Delgado in another forum.

Que en paz descanse.

JG


Hi Friends,

83 year old LiL Ray Romero, (Latin Percussionist) Passed away yesterday evening at his daughter's house in Miami.

Funeral information as of now, will be held in Miami and in NY.

Ray was like a dad, a brother, a friend and a Mentor to me. We worked together with Ray Barretto Orch. Eddie Palmieri's Orch. As well as others bands.
His career history, is enormous. Image being in the same Orch with Tito Rodriguez Tito Puente. There's recordings of them three playing in the Jose Curbelo Orch. In the near future i will post on my website a photo of LiL Ray with the Miguelito Valdez Orch with the legendary Cuban conguero Chano Pozo back in 1946 or 1947.

For those who are not familiar with LiL Ray. Here are a few Recordings he's performed on.
LiL Ray plays timbales on three of Ray Barretto's recordings, Indestrutible,
LiL Ray is responsible for bringing Barretto the song Guarare. He's also on Barretto's Latin Jazz album "The Other Road".
LiL Ray plays Bongo on a Tito Puente album, Congas on a Arsenio Rodriguez Rumba album. Plays congas on Tito Rodriguez's first recording. Played Congas Bongos on Eddie Palmieri's albums. In the 40's, with Xavier Cugat, Noro Morales and others, too many to mention.
There's a very interesting interview of LiL Ray on my website, as well as some photos. Please log on.
http://www.jimmydelgado.com
I will miss my dear good friend. May God Bless his soul.

Thank you for your time.
Jimmy Delgado