Arsenio Rodríguez Way

Submitted by ub on

Latin music legends, also known as Salsa Royalty appeared in the Bronx to pay tribute to El Ciego Maravilloso, while a significant portion of Dawson Street was finally renamed in honor of Cuban salsa singer Arsenio Rodríguez.

The music maestro, who was was known “the Blind Marvel,” Rodríguez was one of the founders of the conjunto style of Cuban music, which mixes conga drums, keyboards and horns.

Rodríguez was born in 1911, moved to the Bronx in the 1950s and became a staple in nightspots including the Tropicana and Hunts Point Palace. He died in 1970.

Rodríguez’s family members joined NYC officials, musicians and others for the dedication at on Dawson St., between Intervale and Longwood Avenues, near Rainey Park.

A reception followed at the Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education, 928 Simpson St. at E. 163rd St.

Casita Maria celebrates nearly 80 years of serving the Hispanic communities of the South Bronx and East Harlem by hosting an awards breakfast on “Community Awareness Day” during Bronx Week at the New York Botanical Garden on Monday, June 16th from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Photo: Elena Martínez
Lazaro Martínez (Arsenio's grand-nephew), Chocolate Armenteros
(trumpeter who played with Arsenio),. Xiomara Travieso (Arsenio's niece)

To enjoy some of Arsenio's sounds, please follow this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lARhpJQM3ck