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Danny Rojo

Musician, Singer, Composer

  

Besides being one of the more popular romantic salsa vocalists, Danny Rojo is also a multi-instrumentalist who gained respect from the top rank of Cuban musicians before turning to ballads.

Many reporters and people specializing in the latin music genre, have agreed, the Mr. Rojo is one most complete artist in the latin music field. He is multi-talented. He sings, dances, composes, arranges and plays a variety of instruments. For these reasons is why he is known as "La Maquina de la Salsa". (THE SALSA MACHINE)

Danny was born in Cuba, to a family of musicians, taking his first lessons at the age of 6 with his mother. At the Age of 14 he changes instruments at the conservatory and begins learning bass, where his passion for popular Cuban music, jazz and rock are discovered. Turning 16 he is accepted at the Ignacio Cervantes conservatory of music in Havana. Here he begins to study bass with Cubans masters Silvio Vergara and Carlos del Puerto.

While continuing his studies at the conservatory, he turns professional at the age of 17, playing  at the Jazz plaza festival, El Salon Rojo  de Capri, El Nacional del Prado and El Cabaret del Hotel Internacional de Varadero.

His first tour outside of the country was playing with the afrocuban jazz group "Alafin". They are invited to play at the Montreal jazz festival in 1992. During this tour is where he makes a life changing decision by defecting from Cuba. Migrating to Miami, he begins playing bass and singing with bands the likes of Israel Cantor, Orquesta Sensacion, Hansel y Raul, Willie Chirino, and the hit show "Sabado Gigante" of the Univision network..

 

In 1994 he heads north to the big apple, landing gigs with Tito Puente,  Celia Cruz, Ismael Miranda and "El Maestro" Jose Fajardo  where he begins his career as a lead singer. He lands his first recording contract in 1996, with the record label "Mas Music".  The CD Titled "Regalame Tu Amor", was played on many major radio stations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The hit songs "Triangulo Amoroso and Regalame  Tu  Amor" reach the top 20 Charts on billboard and radio musica. The CD claims the award "Premio Ace" for best new salsa artist of the year. Also performing on television shows, latin music festivals such as "Gozamba"116th street music festival and the Madison Square Garden salsa festival

In 1998 he changes record labels and signs with Universal Music. His second production titled "Al Rojo Vivo" was directed and produced by Mr. Rojo. "Al Rojo Vivo" opens the doors to other Countries and allows him to become known internationally. Countries in Latin America such as Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, Dominican Republic, Panama and Puerto Rico where he receives the award "Farandula", as best  Salsa artist of the year for 1998. In that same year he is nominated for the award "Radio Musica Magazine" as best album of the year.

                          

That following year he is called to Puerto Rico to head the musical production and direction for the television station "Televicentro", where he also acts in several comedic and dramatic skits. During his career he has written music for Gilberto Santa Rosa, El Gran Combo, Fania All Stars as well as cinema scores.

In the year 2000 he records and produces his 3rd album with Universal Music titled "En Talla". In this project Mr. Rojo decides to incorporate more of a Cuban feel, by introducing Cuban popular vocabulary. At the same time rediscovering the roots of traditional Cuban music, with songs like "El Wanikiki" which hits #1 on many radio stations and billboard top 10.
He has performed for the international carnival at "Calle 8" in Miami, "Festival de la Bahia" and "Heiniken Jazz Festival" in Puerto Rico.

In 2001 he begins his first European tour. Playing in countries like France, Italy, Spain and Germany. In 2002 he ventures into "Latin Jazz" touring the U.S. and Europe.

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