Musical Career
In 1952, Rivera joined the U.S. Army but was quickly discharged, because he didn't speak English. When he returned to Puerto Rico, he went to work as a lead singer with Orquesta Panamericana, thanks to the recommendation of his friend Cortijo. With Orquesta Panamericana, Rivera recorded and scored his first hits with the songs "El charlatán", "Ya yo sé", "La vieja en camisa" and "La sazón de Abuela". However, an incident between Rivera and another band member, over a girl, led to his departure from the popular band. In 1954, he joined Cortijo's Combo and recorded the following songs, which soon became hits in the American Latin community:
| External audio | |
|---|---|
| You may listen to Ismael Rivera's "Las Caras Linda " here. | |
- "El Bombón de Elena"
- "El Negro Bembón"
- "Juan José"
- "Besitos de Coco"
- "Palo Que Tú Me Das"
- "Quítate de la Vía Perico"
- "Oriza"
- "El Chivo de la Campana"
- "Maquinolandera"
- "El Yayo"
- "María Teresa"
- "Yo Soy del Campo"
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