La Sonora Matancera

About

Initially known as "Septeto Soprano", this Cuban group, created in 1924, adapted its name to "La Sonora Matancera" in 1932. From 1949 to 1950, Myrta Silva (a.k.a. "La Gorda De Oro") was the lead singer in this legendary Cuban salsa-group. Later, on August 3, 1950, Celia Cruz replaced Myrta Silva, who had returned to her native Puerto Rico. Celia Cruz left the group in 1965 only to be re-united 17 years later at a concert at Madison Square Gardens as a tribute to her. After Rogelio Martínez died