Gilberto Santa Rosa

Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Gilberto Santa Rosa Cortés, nicknamed "El Caballero de la Salsa" (The Gentleman of Salsa), is a Puerto Rican bandleader and singer. When he was a teenager, Santa Rosa took part in his first concert. In 1976, he made his recording debut as a backup singer with the Mario Ortiz Orchestra. Santa Rosa was recruited by La Grande Orchestra. During that time, Elias Lopez helped him polish his skills. During the 1980s, Santa Rosa recorded "Homenaje a Eddie Palmieri." In 1986, he formed his own band and signed with Combo Records. Santa Rosa was the first singer of tropical salsa to host a concert at the Carnegie Hall Theater, in New York City. In 1990, Santa Rosa joined the all-star "La Puertorriqueña" project. During the week of February 24, 2003, Santa Rosa organized a two-night concert event at the Center of the Performing Arts in Caguas, Puerto Rico. On February 9, 2008, Santa Rosa participated in "Concierto del amor." After participating in New York City's Puerto Rican Day Parade, Santa Rosa prepared for his international tour beginning on June 13, 2008, in New Orleans. On July 5, 2008, Santa Rosa became the first salsa singer to perform at the Palau de la Música in Barcelona. On July 17, 2010, he participated in the opening ceremony of the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games. In 2017, Santa Rosa contributed to Lin-Manuel Miranda's single "Almost Like Praying." In November 8, 2019, Gilberto Santa Rosa was the featured singer on Norberto Vélez's YouTube channel titled "Sesiones Desde La Loma Ep. 2."