Ismael Miranda

Ismael Miranda was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico in 1950. He joined the Fania All-Stars in 1970, sharing stages with Celia Cruz, Willie Colón, and Héctor Lavoe during salsa's peak New York years. His 1971 song 'Caretas' became a breakout hit that established him as a working sonero.

Miranda's career had its complications. He was arrested for drug possession in 1973, a setback that could have ended things. He kept recording through it all, putting out songs like 'Si La Muerte Pisa Mi Huerto' and 'Abran Paso' that became staples in the genre. His lyrics sometimes took on social issues, which brought both attention and occasional friction.

He recorded steadily over the decades, with songs like 'Así Se Compone Un Son' showing his feel for the form. The work speaks for itself, a catalog of salsa that doesn't need extra legend-making around it.