Bobby Cruz & Ricardo "Richie" Ray

Closely associated with pianist Ricardo Ray for much of his career, vocalist Bobby Cruz enjoyed over a decade of fame as a trailblazer of boogaloo, and subsequently salsa, before receding from the spotlight during the '80s and refocusing his efforts on Christianity. Cruz began his recording career as a vocalist in the Ricardo Ray Orchestra in 1964 on Fonseca Records, and by the end of the decade, after singing lead vocals on such hits as "Mr. Trumpet Man," he'd earned himself co-billing on the duo's albums for Alegre Records. In 1970 Ray and Cruz moved from New York City to Pu...