Raphy Leavitt (September 17, 1948 – August 5, 2015) He and his siblings became orphans at an early age and were raised by their aunt in the Puerta de Tierra section of San Juan. Leavitt was able to attend a private school, Colegio San Agustín, where he received his primary and secondary education.
During his childhood, he was also able to take classes at The Academy of Accordions. He participated in an accordion orchestra and was named "premier" accordionist. Leavitt enrolled in the University of Puerto Rico to study Business Administration.
Van accident
On their way to a dance in Connecticut on October 28, 1972, the band's van had an accident, killing trumpet player Luis Maisonet and severely injuring Leavitt.
In 1978, he discovered the young singer Tony Vega, who was to become a notable salsa singer.
Discography
Albums and singles
- Payaso (1971)
- Mi Barrio (1972)
- Jibaro Soy (1973)
- Herido (1974)
- A Recorded Inferno... (1975)
- De Frente a la Vida (1976)
- Con Sabor a Tierra Adentro (1977)
- Cosquillita (1978)
- Soledad (1979)
- Raphy Leavitt y la Selecta (1981)
- 10 Años Sembrando Semillas en el Alma del Pueblo (1982)
- Siempre Alegre (1983)
- Somos el Son (1986)
- Orquesta la Selecta (1988)
- ¡Provócame! (1990)
- 20 Años Después (1992)
- 30 Aniversario (Recorded live) (2003)
- "Cuarentona" (Single) 2015
- Hasta Siempre! (2015)
Compilation albums
- Lo Mejor de Raphy Leavitt (1975)
- El Disco de Oro (1987)
- 12 Grandes Éxitos (1990)
- Éxitos Vol. 2 (1993)
- Grandes Éxitos Vol. 1 (1993)
- Grandes Éxitos Vol. 2 (1994)
- Oro Salsero Vol. 1 (1994)
- Oro Salsero Vol. 2 (1994)
- 12 Boleros (2000)
- 30 Años de Éxitos (2001)
- Live: 30 Aniversario (2003)
- The Greatest Salsa Ever (2008)
See also
- List of Puerto Ricans
- Jewish immigration to Puerto Rico