Yomo Toro - Salsa
Yomo Toro was born Victor Guillermo Toro Vega, on 26 July 1933, in
Guanica, in the southeast part of Puerto Rico.
Yomo Toro is noted for pioneering the use of the
cuatro
in
salsa
music. such as in his album
Manos
de Oro, with songs like
Verde
Tropical.
He began his musical interest at the age of six. His father played the
cuatro and encouraged him to learn to play the instrument. By the time he
was 15 years old he played at his school with three fellow students in a
band called "La Bandita de la Escuela".
He began his professional career playing for "Bury Caban y los 4 Ases",
along with
Tito
Lara. He also played with Jose Antonio Saleman, "El Trio Universitario
de San Juan", "Los Antares" and with
Felipe
Rodriguez
He has recorded with
Larry Harlow,
Willie Colon
and the
Fania All-Stars. He has traveled repeatedly to Japan, Europe, and many
other parts of the world, playing the cuatro, Puerto Rico's national
instrument.
He has done several recordings with his own group for Polygram Records.
One of his biggest hits was "Funky Jibaro". When you listen to any of his
recordings, you quickly appreciate his mastery of the cuatro and the unique
contribution it makes to salsa music, in the hands of such a talented
artist.
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