RAULIN ROSENDO

A Dominican Republic-born sonero transplanted to New York City, salsa star Raulin Rosendo was born in Santo Domingo on August 30, 1957. Steeped in the rhythms of Afro-Antilles music throughout his childhood, he began his performing career at the age of 12 as a member of the merengue group El Chivo y Su Banda, later appearing with acts including Fernandito Villalona, Conjunto Clбsico and Los Vecinos. Known as "The Angry Sonero," Rosendo made his solo debut with 1991's Salsa, Solamente Salsa; by 1993 he was recording in New York with producer Ricky Gonzalez, scoring the hits "Amor en Secreto" and "Santo Domingo." The subsequent success of albums including ЎLo Maximo!, 1996's Dominicano Para El Mundo, 1997's ЎContrуlate! and 1998's Llego la Ley established him among the biggest salsa performers of the period. Donde Me Coja la Noche followed in 1999.