Puerto Rico All Stars

Puerto Rico All Stars were formed in 1977 as a salsa and Latin jazz ensemble composed of some of the island’s top musicians and vocalists. Conceived as a supergroup, they brought together talent from leading Puerto Rican orchestras such as La Sonora Ponceña and El Gran Combo. The idea was to create a collective capable of showcasing the best of Puerto Rican salsa while blending traditional rhythms with innovative arrangements. From the start, the ensemble became known for its tight horn sections, rhythmic sophistication, and powerful vocal performances that captured the energy of New York and Puerto Rican salsa scenes alike.

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Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Puerto Rico All Stars released a series of influential albums, including Puerto Rico All Stars (1977), Los Profesionales (1977), and Tribute to the Messiah (1978), featuring standout voices like Andy Montañez and Paquito Guzmán. After a period of relative quiet, the band returned in the 1990s with De Regreso (1996), reaffirming their legacy while introducing new performers and contemporary salsa arrangements. Their recordings from both eras highlight their role as a bridge between the classic salsa era and modern interpretations of the genre.

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In 2013, Puerto Rico All Stars released Echando Candela, a vibrant album that reasserted the group’s presence in the salsa world. With tracks like Soy Puerto Rico, Echando Candela, and Tu Dices Que Eres El Bravo, the album combined the classic PRAS sound with contemporary stylings, showcasing both veteran and newer vocalists. Echando Candela illustrates the ensemble’s ongoing commitment to celebrating Puerto Rican culture and keeping salsa dynamic and relevant for new audiences, solidifying their reputation as one of the island’s most important musical collectives.

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Lead Vocalists & Singers

• Andy Montañez – Iconic salsa singer originally with El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico before joining PRAS.

• Luigi Texidor – Salsa vocalist featured with PRAS on early recordings.

• Paquito Guzmán – Renowned salsa singer who also worked with Paquito Guzmán in other bands.

• Lalo Rodríguez – Later joined the ensemble; known for his solo salsa romantica career.

• Tito Allen – Vocalist who performed with other major salsa orchestras before PRAS.

• Yayo “El Indio” Pequeño – Featured singer on Los Profesionales.

In later decades (especially around 2013’s Echando Candela and subsequent touring), PRAS expanded its roster massively with vocalists who are notable solo performers in their own right:

• Herman Olivera – Known for his work with La Sonora Ponceña and solo salsa career.

• Darvel García, Wichy Camacho, Jerry Medina – Salsa vocalists active in Puerto Rico’s music scene.

• Luisito Carrión, Pedro Brull, Pichie Pérez, Gilda González, Nahyra, Michelle “La Brava”, Riko Walker, Alex D’ Castro, Moncho Rivera, Frankie Vázquez, Juan Pablo Díaz, Jerry Rivas, Jr. – Part of the extended PRAS vocal lineup in modern formations.

Instrumentalists & Section Players

PRAS’s instrumental section has included top Puerto Rican salsa musicians from the heyday of salsa dura:

• Papo Lucca- Legendary pianist and co‑founder of La Sonora Ponceña, brought piano leadership to PRAS.

• Endel Dueño – Timbales; part of the core PRAS rhythm section.

• Eladio Pérez & Juan Antonio “Papo” Pepín – Congas (Latin percussion roots).

• Manolito González – Bongos/percussion.

• Polito Huertas – Bass player.

• Tommy Villarini, Augie Antomattei, Elias Lopés – Trumpet section (brass).

• Gunda Merced, Rafy Torres, Aldo Torres, Elliut Cintrón – Trombones and brass arrangements.

• Domingo Santos – Timbales (in specific album sessions).

 Arrangers & Production

• Frankie Gregory – Founder/producer of PRAS.

• Elias Lopés & Gunda Merced – Key arrangers and contributors to the ensemble’s sound.

 Where Many Members Came From

While Puerto Rico All Stars itself was a supergroup rather than a fixed band, many members were already established artists from prominent salsa orchestras and musical backgrounds:

• El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico (Andy Montañez),

• La Sonora Ponceña (Papo Lucca, Herman Olivera),

• Solo careers and other salsa ensembles involving performers like Paquito Guzmán, Tito Allen, Lalo Rodríguez.

Puerto Rico All Stars Discography

1976

1977

1978

Puerto Rico All‑Stars, Vol. 1
Debut album featuring tracks like Introduccion Puerto Rico All‑Stars, Changuiri, Reunion en La Cima and Los Tambores.

Los Profesionales
Includes songs such as Aquí en Mi Pueblo, A Quitarse, Regino Suarez, Alianza de Generales and Ciriaco Valdés.