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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZARROYO, Joe(b Alvaro José Arroyo González, 1 November 1955, Cartagena, Colombia; d 26 July 2011, Baranguilla) Singer, bandleader, composer, arranger and producer. Colombia's most popular salsa artist and an international star in the Latin and non-Latin markets. He began as a vocalist in small groups in Cartagena and Sincelejo, later relocated to Barranquilla and joined Orquesta La Protesta (founded '70), then moved to Medellin '71 to sing with Fruko's bands Tesos and the Latin Brothers (from the mid-'70s); he also recorded with Los Lideres. Arroyo founded his own band La Verdad '81; a debut album Arroyando was followed by twelve more '81-93. He almost died '83 from a combination of intensive gigging and drug abuse. In addition to performing typical Latin rhythms (son, montuno, salsa, his native cumbia and others) Joe created his own 'Joesón' style and spearheaded the pan-Caribbean fusion style known as son caribeño. He made his UK debut at London's Empire Ballroom '89; an edited version of the gig was broadcast in BBC 2's Rhythms Of The World series '90. Albums Fuego En Mi Mente '88 (UK title: Fire In My Mind '89), En Accion '90 (UK title: Somos Seres) and La Guerra de Los Callados '91 were released in the UK by Mango (an Island Records subsidiary). By '90 Joe had won the Congo de Oro prize at Barranquilla Carnival so often the Super Congo de Oro award was introduced for him to give other artists a chance. Arroyo ended his 20-year association with the Fuentes label and switched to Sony '91 for Toque de Clase, followed by Fuego '93. Various compilations have been issued including the recommended UK collection Rebellion '89, featuring some of his best tracks from his strong '86 to '87 period and the six-volume Grandes Exitos '93 from Fuentes, which cover his work with both Fruko and La Verdad. He switched to Sony for Toque de Clase '91, Fuego '93 and Mi Libertad '96. El Super Joe 2007 on La Verdad was his last album. He suffered from diabetes, hypertension and kidney problems. His death set off national mourning in Colombia. |