Continuing their 60th anniversary celebration, Fania Records and Craft Latino have announced they are reissuing Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound’s self-titled record on vinyl. Released in 1970, the record was the band’s first album with Fania, having established themselves only a year prior as one of the best new salsa bands in Puerto Rico. The reissue will be released on July 5th and can be pre-ordered now.
Pre-order Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound on vinyl.
Featuring (AAA) lacquers cut from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, this 180-gram vinyl pressing is housed in a vintage-style tip-on jacket replicating the album’s classic design. Additionally, Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound will make its debut in 192/24 HD digital audio. A unique Loco Loco Sun color vinyl exclusive is also available with an bundle option that includes a commemorative Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound T-shirt. The vinyl will contain beloved tracks including “Tu Loco Loco, y Yo Tranquilo,” “El Escapulario” and the Bobby Capó classic “Soñando con Puerto Rico.”
Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound is the latest record to be reissued as Craft Latino celebrates the 60th anniversary of Fania Records. Throughout the year, Craft Latino is honoring Fania’s enduring legacy through a variety of special releases and initiatives, including more than a dozen remastered 180-gram vinyl reissues, over two dozen remastered digital albums, a singles box set, plus curated playlists, artist spotlights and live events in New York, Los Angeles, Miami and London.
A leading figure in salsa music, Roberto Roena (1940–2021) was a multi-talented artist, who rose to fame as a bandleader, percussionist and dancer. The Puerto Rican musician began his career as a teenager, catching the ear of legendary bandleader Rafael Cortijo. By 1969, Roena was eager to branch out on his own and assembled a 12-piece band, Apollo Sound. Before long, the fast-rising band caught the attention of New York’s Fania Records, which released their self-titled debut in 1970. Overseen by Johnny Pacheco, Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound instantly established the Puerto Rican group as one of salsa’s most innovative acts.
Pre-order Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound.