Looks like another conga legend has left us on March 10th, 2008 at age 77. I have some of the old recordings with Tommy Lopez, Sr. playing congas with Eddie Palmieri and his Perfecta band. The man had a great sound. Check out the tribute to Tommy Lopez from Martin Cohen's web site, congahead.com
Tommy Lopez set the standard for "masacote' and "afinque"....he could do more on one drum than most could do on 2 drums...his classic playing on the albums "Lo Que Traigo Sabroso", "Mambo con Conga=Mozambique", "Azucar Pa ti" , and "Molasses" is what every "newbie" should listen to, and learn from....also Barry Rogers would accompany Tommy on congas while he soloed, so that u will hear on the recordings...Tommy also was an influence in my playing of the conga drum, as a young man....may he Rest in Peace....One of the Greats!..... Johnny Conga