Joaquín Santiago
Encyclopedia
Joaquín Santiago was a radio and theatrical producer, international artists' manager, and MC of the renowned Teatro Puerto Rico
in New York City. He also discovered and promoted the talent of many legendary musicians, including José Feliciano
.
, Puerto Rico
to Pablo Santiago and Amalia Cruz, and had three brothers & three sisters.
In 1939 the family moved to the town of Mayaguez where Santiago, at the age of ten, started singing in the Colegio del Carmen school choir, and also singing in local Radio WPBT and Radio WPLA..
In 1947 Santiago moved to New York City
. He worked at ARKAY Radio & Television from 1947 to 1954, building electric components and studio-quality stereo amplifiers. From 1956 to 1959 he was the Quality Control Supervisor at Olympic Radio & Television, overseeing their color TV production assembly line.
and Pedro Flores
, who formed the Trio Borincano, the music gained special recognition in New York City. Myrta Silva
, who later joined Hernandez's Cuarteto Victoria, also gained fame as a singer after the group traveled and played throughout the United States.
Like other newcomers before them, the Bronx’s newly-arrived Latinos converted existing theaters for their own use. The South Bronx became a hub for Puerto Rican music. Theaters which served previous groups of immigrants, such as the Irish and the Italians, to stage their dramatic works or vaudeville style shows, now served the growing Puerto Rican population with virtuoso performances from musicians throughout the island.
In 1948, the Forum Theater (briefly named the Brook Theater) was renamed Teatro Puerto Rico
and began presenting Hispanic stage shows that attracted patronage from all over the Greater New York area. It was not just the main concert spot for Latino performers in New York, attracting stars from all parts of Latin America, it was one of the few places where Puerto Rican families from all over New York City could gather to celebrate their culture.
Santiago served as MC (Master of Ceremonies) of the Teatro Puerto Rico from 1950 to 1957. He was also the Secretary of the Spanish Actors Association, and in this capacity was in charge of all contracts signed between the entertainers and the management of theTeatro Puerto Rico.
Under Santiago's management, dozens of musicians from the island of Puerto Rico inspired and entertained the New York City audience with their cuatro
musical instruments, and their emotional interpretation of the island’s Jibaro music (Puerto Rican country music). The parade of musicians included Florencio Morales "Ramito" Ramos
, Jesús Sanchez "Chuito de Bayamon" Erazo, Pedro Ortiz "Davilita" Davila
and Tomas "Maso" Rivera. Acts by the Tito Rodríguez
band, and trios such as Trio Los Panchos,Trio Los Duques, Trio Borincano, and Vegabajeño were frequently seen, and wildly received. Shows by bolero
singer Felipe "La Voz" Rodríguez
were immediate, delirious sell-outs.
The first of these was José Feliciano
. When Feliciano's family moved from Santiago's hometown of Lares, Puerto Rico
to East Harlem
in 1950, they sought out Joaquín Santiago and asked for his assistance. To their surprise, Santiago had already heard of Jose Feliciano's talent, and he was happy to help them. Jose Feliciano got his career start when he debuted at the Teatro Puerto Rico in 1954 at the age of nine.
In the same manner, Santiago helped the child singer Miguel Poventud
, known as El Nino Prodigio de Guayama (the Child Prodigy from Guayama). Poventud made his professional debut in the Teatro Puerto Rico, with a song he had written in memory of his recently deceased mother: Soy Un Huerfanito (I am a Little Orphan). Proventud also sang De Que me Sirve La Vida (What Good is My Life?) and Hechame a Mi la Culpa (You Can Blame Me). Poventud was an instant hit, and continued singing at the Teatro with Yomo Toro y su Conjunto
, playing his own Rock and roll
tunes, and crooning boleros in Spanish.
In addition, in the winter of 1953, Santiago brought the popular Puerto Rican comedian Ramón "Diplo" Rivero
and his theater troupe to New York City. They performed for the entire Puerto Rican community, and for three weeks Rivero and his show El Tremendo Hotel (The Tremendous Hotel) sold out every performance at the Teatro.
In 1958 Santiago danced in, and choreographed, the feature film Crowded Paradise, whose stars included Hume Cronyn
, Miriam Colon, and Carlos Montalban
. In 1959 Santiago sang in local NYC clubs, cabarets and radio. During 1960-1966, as an artist's manager based in New York City, Santiago negotiated and oversaw the New York contracts for Jorge Negrete
, Pedro Infante
, Maria Felix
, Tin Tan (German Valdes). In addition, Santiago oversaw the business negotiations whenever Cesar Romero
or Mario "Cantinflas" Moreno
performed comedy skits in New York City, or arrived in town to talk about their lives and careers.
When one of Santiago's clients came to New York, the Argentine singing sensation Libertad Lamarque
, the box office and gross profits for her tour exceeded every show on Broadway
except for two musicals, Kiss Me, Kate
and As the Girls Go
.
. A Spanish-language television
show, Sabado Gigante (Giant Saturday) is Univision
's longest-running program, and the longest-running TV variety show in the entire world. When interviewed by the show's host Don Francisco
, and asked for his definition of "the perfect woman," Joaquín replied "the perfect woman is a woman without credit cards." This response was widely repeated and re-aired, throughout Latin America, as a promotional slogan for Sabado Gigante.
In 1987 Santiago moved to Miami and started a TV distributorship. He currently resides there with his wife. Santiago has two sons named Tony and Jose Joaquín, a daughter named Raquel, and three grand-children.
Teatro Puerto Rico
The Teatro Puerto Rico was to the Latino community in the South Bronx what the Apollo Theater was to the African American community in the Harlem section of Manhattan. During its 1940s to 1950s "golden era," it was the hub of la farándula, a vaudeville-style package of Spanish-language events, and...
in New York City. He also discovered and promoted the talent of many legendary musicians, including José Feliciano
José Feliciano
José Feliciano is a Puerto Rican singer, virtuoso guitarist and composer known for many international hits including the 1970 holiday single "Feliz Navidad".-Childhood:...
.
Early life
Santiago was born in LaresLares, Puerto Rico
Lares is a small mountain municipality of Puerto Rico's central-western area located north of Maricao and Yauco; south of Camuy, east of San Sebastián and Las Marias; and west of Hatillo, Utuado and Adjuntas. Lares is spread over 10 wards and Lares Pueblo...
, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
to Pablo Santiago and Amalia Cruz, and had three brothers & three sisters.
In 1939 the family moved to the town of Mayaguez where Santiago, at the age of ten, started singing in the Colegio del Carmen school choir, and also singing in local Radio WPBT and Radio WPLA..
In 1947 Santiago moved to New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. He worked at ARKAY Radio & Television from 1947 to 1954, building electric components and studio-quality stereo amplifiers. From 1956 to 1959 he was the Quality Control Supervisor at Olympic Radio & Television, overseeing their color TV production assembly line.
Teatro Puerto Rico
During and after World War II, Puerto Rican music flourished throughout the Unites States. With the likes of Rafael HernándezRafael Hernández Marín
Rafael Hernández , was one of the most important composers of Puerto Rican popular music during the 20th century.-Early years:...
and Pedro Flores
Pedro Flores (composer)
Pedro Flores born was one Puerto Rico's best known composers of Ballads and Boleros.-Early years:Flores was one of 12 children born into a poor family in the town of Naguabo, Puerto Rico. Flores' father died when he was only nine years old and therefore, he was forced to work at a young age...
, who formed the Trio Borincano, the music gained special recognition in New York City. Myrta Silva
Myrta Silva
Myrta Silva was a Puerto Rican singer, composer and television producer. She was known affectionately as "La Gorda De Oro".-Early years:...
, who later joined Hernandez's Cuarteto Victoria, also gained fame as a singer after the group traveled and played throughout the United States.
Like other newcomers before them, the Bronx’s newly-arrived Latinos converted existing theaters for their own use. The South Bronx became a hub for Puerto Rican music. Theaters which served previous groups of immigrants, such as the Irish and the Italians, to stage their dramatic works or vaudeville style shows, now served the growing Puerto Rican population with virtuoso performances from musicians throughout the island.
In 1948, the Forum Theater (briefly named the Brook Theater) was renamed Teatro Puerto Rico
Teatro Puerto Rico
The Teatro Puerto Rico was to the Latino community in the South Bronx what the Apollo Theater was to the African American community in the Harlem section of Manhattan. During its 1940s to 1950s "golden era," it was the hub of la farándula, a vaudeville-style package of Spanish-language events, and...
and began presenting Hispanic stage shows that attracted patronage from all over the Greater New York area. It was not just the main concert spot for Latino performers in New York, attracting stars from all parts of Latin America, it was one of the few places where Puerto Rican families from all over New York City could gather to celebrate their culture.
Radio, theater and arts management
During the golden era (1947–1956) of the Teatro Puerto Rico, Joaquin Santiago was already the director of New York's second Hispanic radio show Heraldo de las Antillas at WEVD.Santiago served as MC (Master of Ceremonies) of the Teatro Puerto Rico from 1950 to 1957. He was also the Secretary of the Spanish Actors Association, and in this capacity was in charge of all contracts signed between the entertainers and the management of theTeatro Puerto Rico.
Under Santiago's management, dozens of musicians from the island of Puerto Rico inspired and entertained the New York City audience with their cuatro
Cuatro
Cuatro is Spanish for the number four. It may also refer to:* Cuatro , Name for two distinct Latin American instruments one from Puerto Rico and the other from Venezuela....
musical instruments, and their emotional interpretation of the island’s Jibaro music (Puerto Rican country music). The parade of musicians included Florencio Morales "Ramito" Ramos
Florencio Morales Ramos
Florencio "Flor" Morales Ramos , much more better known as Ramito, was a famous Puerto Rican singer, trovador, and composer who was a native of Caguas, Puerto Rico. He is considered the king of Jíbaro music...
, Jesús Sanchez "Chuito de Bayamon" Erazo, Pedro Ortiz "Davilita" Davila
Pedro Ortiz Davila
Pedro Ortiz Davila a.k.a. "Davilita" was a popular singer of boleros and Puerto Rican patriotic songs.-Early years:...
and Tomas "Maso" Rivera. Acts by the Tito Rodríguez
Tito Rodriguez
Tito Rodríguez was a popular 1950s and 1960s Puerto Rican singer and bandleader. He is known by many fans as "El Inolvidable" , a moniker based on his most popular interpretation, a song written by composer Julio Gutierrez.-Early years:Rodríguez , born in Santurce, Puerto Rico,...
band, and trios such as Trio Los Panchos,Trio Los Duques, Trio Borincano, and Vegabajeño were frequently seen, and wildly received. Shows by bolero
Bolero
Bolero is a form of slow-tempo Latin music and its associated dance and song. There are Spanish and Cuban forms which are both significant and which have separate origins.The term is also used for some art music...
singer Felipe "La Voz" Rodríguez
Felipe Rodríguez
Luis Felipe Rodriguez, better known as Felipe "La Voz" Rodríguez, born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, was a singer of boleros. He is regarded as the most popular Puerto Rican male singer of the 1950s based on record sales and live audience records...
were immediate, delirious sell-outs.
Discovers and promotes legendary musicians
Throughout his tenure at the Teatro de Puerto Rico, Santiago devoted himself to preserving Puerto Rican culture and heritage, and to developing the talent of Puerto Rican artists and musicians. Two of his most renowned discoveries were child prodigy performers, who made their debuts in the Teatro Puerto Rico.The first of these was José Feliciano
José Feliciano
José Feliciano is a Puerto Rican singer, virtuoso guitarist and composer known for many international hits including the 1970 holiday single "Feliz Navidad".-Childhood:...
. When Feliciano's family moved from Santiago's hometown of Lares, Puerto Rico
Lares, Puerto Rico
Lares is a small mountain municipality of Puerto Rico's central-western area located north of Maricao and Yauco; south of Camuy, east of San Sebastián and Las Marias; and west of Hatillo, Utuado and Adjuntas. Lares is spread over 10 wards and Lares Pueblo...
to East Harlem
El Barrio
El Barrio can refer to the following:* The Spanish Harlem district of New York* Parts of East Los Angeles* El Barrio , a flamenco band...
in 1950, they sought out Joaquín Santiago and asked for his assistance. To their surprise, Santiago had already heard of Jose Feliciano's talent, and he was happy to help them. Jose Feliciano got his career start when he debuted at the Teatro Puerto Rico in 1954 at the age of nine.
In the same manner, Santiago helped the child singer Miguel Poventud
Miguel Poventud
Miguel Poventud a.k.a. "El Niño Prodigio de Guayama" and "Miguelito" , was a Puerto Rican musician, singer, actor and composer of Boleros...
, known as El Nino Prodigio de Guayama (the Child Prodigy from Guayama). Poventud made his professional debut in the Teatro Puerto Rico, with a song he had written in memory of his recently deceased mother: Soy Un Huerfanito (I am a Little Orphan). Proventud also sang De Que me Sirve La Vida (What Good is My Life?) and Hechame a Mi la Culpa (You Can Blame Me). Poventud was an instant hit, and continued singing at the Teatro with Yomo Toro y su Conjunto
Yomo Toro
Victor Guillermo Toro is a guitarist and one of Puerto Rico's most famous cuatro players...
, playing his own Rock and roll
Rock and roll
Rock and roll is a genre of popular music that originated and evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s, primarily from a combination of African American blues, country, jazz, and gospel music...
tunes, and crooning boleros in Spanish.
Fiesta Infantíl con Joaquín Santiago
While serving as manager and MC of the Teatro Puerto Rico, Santiago also presented a children's talent show called Fiesta Infantíl con Joaquín Santiago. Directed and produced by Santiago, the show encouraged parents to bring their children to participate and perform.In addition, in the winter of 1953, Santiago brought the popular Puerto Rican comedian Ramón "Diplo" Rivero
Ramón Rivero (Diplo)
Ramón Rivero — known as Diplo — was a comedian, actor, composer and a pioneer in Puerto Rico's television and cinema industries...
and his theater troupe to New York City. They performed for the entire Puerto Rican community, and for three weeks Rivero and his show El Tremendo Hotel (The Tremendous Hotel) sold out every performance at the Teatro.
International artist management
Hume Cronyn
Hume Blake Cronyn, OC was a Canadian actor of stage and screen, who enjoyed a long career, often appearing professionally alongside his second wife, Jessica Tandy.-Early life:...
, Miriam Colon, and Carlos Montalban
Carlos Montalbán
Carlos Montalbán was a Mexican character actor.Montalbán was born in Mexico City, Distrito Federal, the son of Spanish immigrants Ricarda and Jenaro Montalbán, a store manager....
. In 1959 Santiago sang in local NYC clubs, cabarets and radio. During 1960-1966, as an artist's manager based in New York City, Santiago negotiated and oversaw the New York contracts for Jorge Negrete
Jorge Negrete
Jorge Alberto Negrete Moreno is considered one of the most popular Mexican singers and actors of all time....
, Pedro Infante
Pedro Infante
José Pedro Infante Cruz , better known as Pedro Infante, is the most famous actor and singer of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema and is an idol of the Latinamerican people, together with Jorge Negrete and Javier Solís, who were styled the Tres Gallos Mexicanos . He was born in Mazatlán, Sinaloa,...
, Maria Felix
María Félix
María Félix was a Mexican film actress and one of the icons of the golden era of the Cinema of Mexico and also one of the myths of the Spanish language Cinema for her life style and personality...
, Tin Tan (German Valdes). In addition, Santiago oversaw the business negotiations whenever Cesar Romero
Cesar Romero
Cesar Julio Romero, Jr. was an American film and television actor who was active in film, radio, and television for almost sixty years...
or Mario "Cantinflas" Moreno
Cantinflas
Fortino Mario Alfonso Moreno Reyes , was a Mexican comic film actor, producer, and screenwriter known professionally as Cantinflas. He often portrayed impoverished campesinos or a peasant of pelado origin...
performed comedy skits in New York City, or arrived in town to talk about their lives and careers.
When one of Santiago's clients came to New York, the Argentine singing sensation Libertad Lamarque
Libertad Lamarque
Libertad Lamarque was an Argentine-Mexican actress and singer. Originally from Argentina, she reached fame throughout Latin America while living in Mexico and working in Mexican cinema.-Career:...
, the box office and gross profits for her tour exceeded every show on Broadway
Broadway theatre
Broadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
except for two musicals, Kiss Me, Kate
Kiss Me, Kate
Kiss Me, Kate is a musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. It is structured as a play within a play, where the interior play is a musical version of William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. The original production starred Alfred Drake, Patricia Morison, Lisa Kirk and Harold Lang.Kiss...
and As the Girls Go
As the Girls Go
As the Girls Go is a musical with music by Jimmy McHugh, lyrics by Harold Adamson and a book by William Roos.After an out-of-town tryout at the Opera House in Boston in October 1948, the original Broadway production of As the Girls Go opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on November 13, 1948,...
.
Sabado Gigante
In 1989, Joaquín Santiago appeared on Sabado GiganteSábado Gigante
Sábado Gigante is a Spanish-language television show that is Univision's longest-running program and the longest-running variety TV show in the world. Sábado Gigante is an eclectic and frenetic mix of various contests, human-interest stories, and live entertainment...
. A Spanish-language television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
show, Sabado Gigante (Giant Saturday) is Univision
Univision
Univision is a Spanish-language television network in the United States. It has the largest audience of Spanish language television viewers according to Nielsen ratings. Randy Falco, COO, has been in charge of the company since the departure of Univision Communications president and CEO Joe Uva...
's longest-running program, and the longest-running TV variety show in the entire world. When interviewed by the show's host Don Francisco
Don Francisco
Don Francisco may refer to:*Don Francisco *Don Francisco *Don Francisco de Paula Marin, Hawaiian*Don Francisco...
, and asked for his definition of "the perfect woman," Joaquín replied "the perfect woman is a woman without credit cards." This response was widely repeated and re-aired, throughout Latin America, as a promotional slogan for Sabado Gigante.
Later years
Santiago and his wife Hilda Rodriguez-Mattei were divorced in 1956, and Hilda Rodriguez-Mattei passed away on Thanksgiving Day in 2006. Santiago re-married a Cuban national in 1959 named Gladys Nuñez, and they returned to Bayamon, Puerto Rico in 1966, where Santiago founded the Puerto Rico Real Estate Corporation.In 1987 Santiago moved to Miami and started a TV distributorship. He currently resides there with his wife. Santiago has two sons named Tony and Jose Joaquín, a daughter named Raquel, and three grand-children.