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40 AÑOS DE VOLUMEN

Salsero of the month

Jesús Federico Malpica Betancourt, Federico y su Combo Latino

The Father of Venezuelan Salsa

Our musical culture, embodied in Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, known commercially as salsa, became the quintessential cultural expression of Latin American communities beginning in the 1960s. In Venezuela, one of the most important pioneers of this musical movement is, without a doubt, Maestro Jesús Federico Betancourt—the trailblazer of salsa in Venezuela and Latin America. We dedicate this March edition of our Salsero of the Month section to him at www.latinastereo.com.

Jesús Federico Malpica Betancourt was born on March 22 in Valencia, the capital city of the state of Carabobo, Venezuela. During his adolescence, he was musically influenced by his mother. He became passionate about Cuban music and admired the work of La Sonora Matancera, Dámaso Pérez Prado, Mon Rivera, Eddie Palmieri, and Joe Cotto, as he has stated himself. His first steps in music were with a group called Los Selectos, who performed the popular tropical orchestra repertoire of the time, including music by Billo’s Caracas Boys and Los Melódicos led by Renato Capriles.

In the mid-1960s, Federico Betancourt—who took on his mother’s surname, as he was raised without his father—worked at Banco de Venezuela while also pursuing his passion for music. He performed with Los Selectos, featuring trumpet and trombone, alongside pianist Oscar “Papelón” Martínez, who would later also be part of El Combo Latino, directed by Raúl Mayora.

In 1965, Federico decided to form his own band, naming it Federico y su Combo Latino, an offshoot of El Combo Latino and featuring several of its former members.

Although Federico Betancourt never formally studied music, he learned enough theory to direct an orchestra and trained in percussion, particularly mastering the güiro, which earned him the nickname King of the Güiro. The members of Federico y su Combo Latino were handpicked by Federico and his friend, timbalero Roberto Monserrat.

It was in mid-1966 that the band recorded the LP that would make Federico famous. This debut album, titled Llegó la salsa, marked a milestone in Venezuelan salsa history—it was the first LP in the country to use the word SALSA.

Federico Betancourt has said, “The father of the word SALSA was Phidias Danilo Escalona. He used it for the first time on his radio show, and I, humbly, helped spread it with the success of my LP.”

In various interviews, Federico has explained that the album’s title was inspired by Escalona’s radio show, La Hora de La Salsa, El Sabor y El Bembé. He added that the album could have been called La Hora del Sabor or La Hora del Swing.

On Llegó la salsa, vocalists Carlín Rodríguez and Dimas Pedroza were featured, along with musicians Alí Rojas, Roberto Monserrat, Pedro Medina, Alfredo Arcas, César Pinto, Enrique Iriarte, and Rafael Prado.

 

Federico y su Combo Latino recorded with several labels, starting with Palacio Récords, for which they released eight albums. He also produced two albums under his own label, Sello Federico, also released by Gilmar. These were:

Psicodélico con Salsa Mejor que Nunca

He later released albums with other labels such as Sonus (1), Velvet (2), BASF Récords (3), Foca Récords (2), Souvenir (1), and Discomoda (2). It’s worth noting that El Palacio de la Música held the rights to reproduce Fania Records’ music in Venezuela, reissuing Fania’s New York recordings in Caracas. Other labels such as Sonograma, West Side Latino Records, Gilmar, Piano Records, Orbe, and Colombia’s Discos Fuentes also released compilation albums of Federico’s music.

One notable entry in Federico’s discography is a 1980 album recorded not under Federico y su Combo Latino but as Federico y su Orquesta, featuring the celebrated vocalist Guillermo Enrique Morales Portillo, also known as “Memo” Morales—one of the iconic voices of Venezuelan tropical music.

As the Father of Venezuelan Salsa, Federico worked with an extensive list of Latin music singers, including:

  1.     Abicu – Comp J. Barreto
  2.     Café Y Pan – Comp Louie Ramírez 2:54.
  3.     Canción De La Serranía – Comp. Roberto Cole 2:51
  4.     Cocolía – Comp. M. Rivera
  5.     Conmigo – D. R. A.
  6.     Cumbanchero – Comp Carmelo Ponce 3:05
  7.     Despierta Rumbero – Canta Carlín Rodríguez
  8.     El Jaleo – Comp – Ñico Saquito
  9.     El Negrito Calavén
  10.   El Pachanguero – Comp. Mon Rivera 2:44
  11.   El Sabrosón – Canta El Negrito Calavén
  12.   El Timbalito – Tito Puente
  13.   Homenaje A Billo – Comp. Billo Frómeta, Pedro Lacorte
  14.   La Cenicienta – Comp. José Lazo 3:40
  15.   La Malas Lenguas – Canta: Jorge Mendoza
  16.   La Montura Y El Caballo 3:25
  17.   La Ruñidera – Comp Ignacio Piñeiro
  18.   Las Malas Lenguas – Edgardo Jiménez – Salsa
  19.   Maina – Comp Mon Rivera
  20.   No Le Digan – Comp Edgardo Jimenez
  21.   Pao Pao – Comp Ramón Monchito
  22.   Que Te Has Creído Tú – S. González/Goajiro González
  23.   Quisiera Olvidarte – Comp José Antonio López
  24.   Sancocho Caliente – D. R. A.
  25.   Señor Gallo – Moncho Leña.

 

In 1988, Federico Betancourt Jr., son of the maestro, founded his own orchestra, Magia Caribeña, with the support of his father. The group has recorded a dozen albums, proudly carrying on the legacy of the legendary master from Valencia, Venezuela.

 

In recognition of his musical contributions, the International University for Human Development and Leadership in Mexico awarded Federico Betancourt an honorary doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) in Mexico City. University president Wulfrano Peláez Bahena presented the well-deserved distinction.

This piece on the musical legacy of Maestro Federico Betancourt is a humble tribute to his immense contribution to our culture.

For more information, we recommend the book La Salsa de Federico y su Combo Latino by Cuban author José Luis Basulto Villafaña.

Musical Chronology

1940
  • **Federico Betancourt** is the son of **Carlos Federico Malpica** and **Carmen Elena Betancourt Alvarado**, a seamstress who, after the absence of her husband, raised her son through her own effort and work, which is why Federico always carries his mother's surname.
  • **Jesús Federico Malpica Betancourt** was born on March 22, 1940, in the city of Valencia, Carabobo state, Venezuela.
1955
  • In his adolescence, **Federico Betancourt** received a gift from his mother that would change his life forever: a **record player**. This deepened his love for music, though he didn't yet know he would dedicate his entire life to it.
1965
  • Around that time, 25-year-old **Federico Betancourt** was working at the Banco de Venezuela. He was also dedicated to music, and by this year, he already had his own musical group called **Los Selectos**.
  • At that time, there was also a group called **El Combo Los Latinos**, who recorded an album in 45 RPM format, a single record that included the songs "Yo Vendo Unos Ojos Negros" and "En Cadenas," released by the **Ronde** music label, pressed in Venezuela with the Pachanga rhythm.
1966
  • Following the disbandment of that group, **Federico Betancourt**, along with some musicians from the same Combo Los Latinos, created a new musical project which they called **Federico y Su Combo Latino**.
  • **Jesús Federico Malpica Betancourt**, our great **Federico Betancourt**, began his recordings with his group **Federico Y Su Combo Latino** with the album titled **Llego La Salsa**, pressed by the **Palacio Records** music label in LP format, released in his home country Venezuela in 1966; an album of Salsa and Guaguancó. The tracks included on the album are:

    1. Cocolía – M. Rivera
    2. Conmigo – D. en D.
    3. El Pachanguero – E. Rivera
    4. Sancocho Caliente – D. R.
    5. Guaguancó Manía – Mongo Santamaría
    6. Celosa – D. en D.
    7. Despierta Rumbero – Luis Café
    8. No Critiquen – Pedrito Hernández
    9. Saoco – Pellín Rodríguez
    10. Baila Ye-Ma-Ya – L. Frías
    11. Café y Pan – Luis Ramírez
    12. Que Me Quieras – Carmelo Álvarez

    The musicians participating in this recording are:
    1. Bass: Rafael Prado
    2. Bongos: Ali Rojas “Cosa Buena”
    3. Congas: Pedrito Medina
    4. Director & Güiro: Federico Betancourt
    5. Piano: Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte
    6. Timbales & Musical Director: Roberto Monserrat
    7. Trombone: Alfredo Arcas (Arcadio), Teófilo Zampty & Rojitas
    8. Trumpet: Pedro & Cesar Pinto
    9. Vocals: Carlín Rodríguez & Dimas Pedroza.

  • That first album by **Federico y su Combo Latino** became an icon in Afro-Antillean, Afro-Caribbean, or Afro-Latin music, being the first musical work whose cover featured the term "Salsa" to refer to our music.
  • The second album by **Federico Y Su Combo Latino**, also released in 1966, was titled **Salsa Y Sabor**, also produced for the **Palacio** label; an LP with rhythms of Bolero, Chachachá, Descarga, Guaguancó, Merengue, Guaracha, and Pachanga. It includes the tracks:
    1. El Jaleo – Ñico Saquito / Jaleo
    2. Pao, Pao – Ramón Monchito / Guajira – Chachachá
    3. El Señor Gallo – Moncho Leña / Guaracha
    4. Quisiera Olvidarte – D. en D, / Bolero
    5. Abicu – Justi Barreto / Guaracha
    6. Maina – Mon Rivera / Guaracha
    7. Guaguancó Tropical – Eleazar López C, / Guaguancó
    8. Dame Tu Cariño – D. en D. 7 Chachachá
    9. Gozando La Salve – C. Dávila / Salve Merengue
    10. Pa’ Los Niches – Víctor A. Valera / Pachanga.

    The musicians who participated in this album are:
    • Eduvigis Carrillo – Arrangements
    • Bass – Rafael Prado
    • Bongo – Ali Rojas
    • Direction, Güiro – Federico Betancourt
    • Musical Director, Timbales – Roberto Monserrat
    • Engineer – Alberto Toro Gutiérrez
    • Piano – Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte
    • Producer – Jaime González Moreno
    • Trombone – Alfredo Arca – Arcadio
    • Trombone – Rojitas
    • Trombone – Teófilo Zampty
    • Trumpet – Pedro
    • Trumpet – Cesar Pinto
    • Tumbadora – Pedrito
    • Vocals – Carlín Rodríguez, Dimas Pedroza.
1967
  • En aquel año Federico Y Su Combo Latino publicaron un nuevo álbum, el tercero en su cuenta, titulado Mas Salsa, bajo el sello Palacio, un LP con aires de Bolero, Boogaloo, Descarga, Guaguancó, Mambo y Son; los temas del disco son:
    1. Cumbanchero – Carmelo Ponce
    2. Guaguancó Con Mozambique – Tata Guerra
    3. Toitico Tuyo – Javier Vásquez
    4. Cuando La Lluvia Cae – M. Silva
    5. Descarga Cuatricentenaria – Louis Ramírez
    6. Pancho y Ramona – Mon Rivera
    7. Súbete Al Swing – Héctor Rivera / Eleazar López C.
    8. Bomba Puertorriqueña – Eleazar López C.
    9. Lo Tienes Que Ver Pa’ Creer – Louis Ramírez
    10. Más Salsa – Eleazar López C.
    Con la participación de músicos como:
    • Federico Betancourt Director & Güiro
    • Roberto Monserrat Timbales & Musical Director
    • Carlín Rodríguez & Dimas Pedroza Vocals
    • Arcas (Arcadio), Zanti & Rojitas Trombones
    • Pedro & Pinto Trompetas
    • Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte en el Piano
    • Rafael Prado Bass
    • Pedrito Medina en las Congas
    • Ali Rojas “Cosa Buena” en los Bongos
    Otros Créditos:
    • Producción Jaime González Moreno
    • Producción Supervisor Luis Arismendi.
  • El segundo álbum de Federico y Su Combo Latino el mismo año 1967 se llamó Durísimo – Vol. 4. Como en los anteriores para el sello Palacio de Venezuela, un LP con ritmos de Bolero, Boogaloo, Descarga, Guaguancó, Mambo y Son, en los temas:
    1. Mi Querida Bomba – Johnny Colón
    2. Le Dio Con La Sartén – Elpidio Vásquez
    3. Bluedawn – Yacamo
    4. El Que No Sufre No Vive – M. González
    5. Si Dios Lo Permite – Celio González
    6. Señorita – Pedro García
    7. Trompeta En Campana – Carmelo Ponce
    8. Más Que Nada – Jorge Ben
    9. Se Me Fue La Montuna – J. Pineira
    10. Oigan Compañeros – M. Rodríguez.
    Presentando músicos como:
    • Federico Betancourt Director & Güiro:
    • Roberto Monserrat Timbales & Director Musical
    • Carlín Rodríguez & Dimas Pedroza Vocals
    Músicos Invitados:
    • Vocals: Calavén
    Otros Créditos:
    • Producción Jaime Moreno González
    • Grabación y Mezcla Antonio J. González.
  • Por aquella época Federico Betancourt y su Combo Latino alternaba con La Perfecta de Eddie Palmieri en La Guaira, con los trombonistas Barry Rogers y el brasileño José Rodrigues; en los 60 e inicios de los 70, también alternaron con Celia Cruz, Daniel Santos, además de abrir actuaciones de la Sonora Matancera, Tito Rodríguez, Tito Puente, Dámaso Pérez Prado, La Lupe, Ray Barretto, y otras grandes figuras de nuestra música.
    • 1968
    • **Federico Y Su Combo Latino** released two albums in 1968. The first was titled **Federico Booga-Loo**, published in Venezuela by the **Palacio** label in LP format, featuring rhythms of Bolero, Salsa, and Boogaloo, a very popular genre at the time. The album includes the following tracks:
      1. Federico Boogaloo – Federico Betancourt y Roberto Monserrat / Boogaloo
      2. Guajira Boogaloo – Ángel Chirino M./ Guajira Boogaloo
      3. Ay Que José – Federico Betancourt / Guaracha
      4. Es Muy Fácil – Felipe Dulzaides / Bolero
      5. El Sabrosón – D. en D. / Guaracha
      6. Todo El Mundo – Ángel Chirino M. / Boogaloo
      7. A Villa Palmeras – Willy Rosario / Bomba
      8. No Serás De Mí – Crecia Domenech / Bolero
      9. No Me Digas Nada Kamara’ – Mon Rivera / Guaracha
      10. Me Faltó Estar Mosca – Víctor M. Sánchez / Guaracha
      Musicians:
      • Director & Güiro: **Federico Betancourt**
      • Timbales & Musical Director: **Roberto Monserrat**
      • Singers: **Carlín Rodríguez & Dimas Pedroza**.
    • The second album by **Federico Y Su Combo Latino** in that same year, 1968, was titled **Psicodélico Con Salsa**. This time, it was released for the **Gilmar** label, also in LP format in Venezuela, with influences of Boogaloo, Guaguancó, Pachanga, and Salsa. The album's songs are:
      1. El Alacrán – D. en D.
      2. No – Armando Manzanero
      3. Campesina – Juan Vicente Torrealba
      4. Sunny – Bobby Hobb
      5. Que Dichoso Es – José Slatert
      6. Aunque No Tenga Dinero – Kako
      7. El Amor Es Azul – A. Popp
      8. Oh, Baby – D. en D.
      9. Ha Llegado La Pachanga – Federico Betancourt
      10. Yuca y Boniato – Roberto González.
      Among the participating musicians are:
      • **Federico Betancourt** as Director & Güiro;
      • the voice of **Calavén**; and
      • Arrangements and Direction by **Ángel Chirino M.**.
    1969
    • In the new year, **Federico y Su Combo Latino** also released a pair of albums. The first, a Salsa LP, was titled **Mejor Que Nunca**, pressed by the **Gilmar** label. The tracks on this album include:
      1. Dolores – Mon Rivera
      2. Con La Misma Moneda – C. Dávila
      3. La Humanidad – Pedrito Hernández
      4. Amor y Más Amor – D. en D.
      5. El Timbalito – Tito Puente
      6. El Prestamista – C. Curet Alonso
      7. Mira Mis Labios Cruz
      8. Oh, Negro Gato – Getulio Cortéz
      9. Olvídate De Mí – L. Ramírez
      10. Si Te Fuiste y Que – Johnny Colón.
      Participating in this work are: **Federico Betancourt** (Direction & Güiro); vocalists **Joe Ruiz, El Negrito Calavén & El Bobby**; and production by **Fonográfica Gilmar**.
    • The second album by **Federico Y Su Combo Latino** in 1969 was released under the name **Vibración & Ritmo**. This album was recorded for the **Sonus (2)** label, another Salsa LP published in Venezuela, with direction and güiro by **Federico Betancourt** and vocals by **Joe Ruiz, El Negrito Calavén & El Bobby**. The album is composed of the following tracks:
      1. El Cobrador – Tito Ochoa
      2. Guajira Go-Go – Roberto Hernández
      3. Mayembe – Federico Betancourt
      4. Pa’ Que Comentan – R. Pérez / F. Betancourt
      5. El Agua Limpia Todo – F. Aguabella
      6. Ocupación – Federico Betancourt
      7. Ruego y Lamento – Ramón Pérez
      8. El Negrito Calavén – Luis “Tata” Guerra
      9. Amor y Más Amor (D. En D.
      10. Lástima Que Tú Te Vas – César Pinto.
    1970
    • **La Machaca** is the title of the new album by **Federico Y Su Combo**, a Salsa LP produced by the **Velvet (2)** label and pressed in Venezuela. The album features **Federico Betancourt** as director and güiro, and he is also the composer of four of its tracks. The songs on the album are:
      1. La Machaca – Joe Ruiz
      2. Mi Tiempo Guaguancó – Federico Betancourt
      3. Mapeyé – Ramón Pérez
      4. En El Medio De La Noche – D. en D.
      5. No Te Boté – Carlos M.
      6. No Vale Na’ – Federico Betancourt
      7. Sé Que Volverás – José Barreto
      8. Mi Son Goajiro – Federico Betancourt
      9. Cartagenera – Federico Betancourt
      10. Camina (Orlando Contreras).
    1971
    • The **Audiovox Records** and **Velvet** labels recorded a new album by **Federico Y Su Combo Latino** titled **Dos Sets Con**, released in LP format. This time, it was published in the United States with Salsa and Guaracha rhythms, including ten tracks, eight of them written by **Federico Betancourt**:
      1. La Machaca – José Ruiz
      2. Mi Tiempo En Guaguancó – Federico Betancourt
      3. Camina – Federico Betancourt
      4. No Te Bote – Federico Betancourt
      5. No Vales Na’ – Federico Betancourt
      6. En Medio De La Noche – Federico Betancourt
      7. Sé Que Volverás – D.R.A.
      8. Hala, Hala, Hala – Federico Betancourt
      9. Mi Son Guajiro – Federico Betancourt
      10. Ma Peye – Federico Betancourt.
      This album features seven tracks from the previous year's **La Machaca** album.
    1974
    • In 1974, **Federico Y Su Combo Latino** recorded again for the **Palacio** label. On this occasion, the album was titled **Federico Si Te Pone A Bailar**, a Salsa LP directed by **Federico Betancourt** and released in Venezuela. The tracks on the album are:
      1. Marcela – Edgardo Jiménez 2:55
      2. Recado – Antonio D. Ferreira 3:31
      3. Homenaje A Billo – Pedro Lacorte: La Burrita de Petare/ Toy Contento / Epa Isidro / Pueblito de Barlovento – Vocals: Watussi 3:28
      4. El Picor – Pedro Bonet Harris 5:12
      5. La Ruñidera – Ignacio Piñeiro – Vocals: Orlando Watussi 3:29
      6. Romance Guajiro – Celia Romero 2:43
      7. Quisiera Olvidarte – José Antonio López – Vocals: Carlín Rodríguez 3:41
      8. A La Memoria Del Muerto – Carlos Girona 2:43
    1975
    • Our Venezuelan musician **Federico Y Su Combo Latino** recorded another salsa album in 1975 titled **Derrape De Salsa**, for the **BASF** music label in LP format, also featuring ten tracks:
      1. Llego El Tiburón – Tata Guerra/Dimas Pedroza/Calavén
      2. Monina – Efraín M. Rivera/Harlem
      3. Capilla Sin Sant – Héctor Hurtado / Dimas Pedroza
      4. Borrajón y Saraguey – Héctor Hurtado/Calavén
      5. El Arcángel – Dimas Pedroza/Héctor Hurtado
      6. Regreso El Sonero – H. Hurtado / Dimas Pedroza
      7. Bomba De Corazón – Efraín M. Rivera/Harlem
      8. La Mulata y Calavén – Héctor Hurtado / Calavén
      9. Déjenme Cantar – Héctor Hurtado/Harlem
      10. A Lo Mañano – Efraín M. Rivera/Calavén.
      This work was carried out with **Federico Betancourt** as Director & Güiro; the voices of **El Negrito Calavén & Dimas Pedroza**; as well as production by **Federico Betancourt**; arrangements and direction by **Héctor Hurtado**; and production and supervision by **Argenis Durant**.
    1977
    • Two new musical works by **Federico Y Su Combo Latino** were released in 1977:
      • The first was titled **Ayer Y Hoy**, published under the **BASF – LP-10.076** label, in LP format. This Venezuelan album of Guaguancó, Mambo, and Salsa includes ten tracks:
        1. Besos Brujos – D.D.
        2. No Quiero Espejo – D. D.
        3. Que Cosas Tiene La Vida Comp – René E. Carias
        4. La Vida Es Un Sueño Comp – Arsenio Rodríguez
        5. Puesto Vacante Comp – Eddie Palmieri
        6. La Montura Y El Caballo – D.D.
        7. Pan Con Queso Comp – Tata Guerra
        8. Pa’ Goza Candela – D.D.
        9. La Cosquillita Comp – Henry Arana
        10. San Fernando Comp – Lucho Bermúdez.
        Participants in this work were:
        • Arrangements – Alfredo “Pollo” Gil, Diego Del Real, Javier Vásquez, Jorge Millet
        • Bass – Rafael Prado
        • Bongos – Edgar Blanco
        • Congas – John Mujica
        • Direction – Federico Betancourt
        • Engineer – Antonio J. González
        • Guest – Tata Guerra
        • Photography – Jordano
        • Piano – Diego Del Real
        • Timbales – Joe Santamaría
        • Trombone – Héctor “Chispa” Hurtado, Leopoldo “Pucho” Escalante, Rodrigo Barboza
        • Trumpet – Alfredo “Pollo” Gil, Luis Zabala, Rafael Araujo
        • Vocals – Canela, Dimas Pedroza, Orlando Watussi.
      • The second album by **Federico Y Su Combo** in 1977 was titled **¡Sabor…!** Pressed and distributed by the **Foca Records** label in LP format, also in Venezuela, with the following tracks:
    1979
    • In that year, **Federico Y Su Combo Latino** recorded two new albums. The first was titled **Federico Y Su Combo**, pressed by the **Foca Records** label in LP format; produced in Venezuela with rhythms of Descarga, Guaguancó, and Salsa. The tracks on this album are:
      1. Lamento Del Carretero – D.R.A.
      2. Federico Guapacha – Pedro García
      3. Rumba Para Parejas – C. Leicea
      4. Charare – Rafael Labasta
      5. Soneros Del Ayer – Ramón Orlando
      6. Ven Bernabé – D.R.A.
      7. Juliana – Cuco Valoys
      8. Noche Azul – J. V. Torrealba.
      Participants include:
      • Director & Güiro: **Federico Betancourt**
      • Vocals:
        • **Canelita Medina** (tracks A1, A3, B2)
        • **Manny Bolaños** (tracks A2, A4, B1, B3)
        • **Johnny Ramos** (track B4)
      • Other Credits:
        • Production: **Federico Betancourt**
        • Arrangements & Direction: **Héctor Hurtado**
        • Recording and Mixing by A. González & F. González at Estudios Fidelis (Caracas)
        • Photo: Giro Color.
    • The musical trajectory of **Federico y Su Combo Latino** continued in 1979; among their musical productions, the album **El Maestro** was released under the **Discomoda** label. This LP features the following tracks:
      1. Mujer – D. en D.
      2. Tu No Me Engañas – Pablo Cairo
      3. El Minero – D. en D.
      4. Esta Noche Voy – D. en D.
      5. Cuando Yo Me Muera – D. en D.
      6. Pregúntale A La Noche – Carlos Guerra
      7. En El Extranjero – Calixto Varela
      8. Plazos Traicioneros – D. en D.
      9. El Maestro – B. Dueño Colón/T. Muñiz
      10. Canelita – Dr. Salvador Zúñiga M.
      With the participation of:
      • Bass: **Argenis Carmona**
      • Bongo: **Johnny Padrón**
      • **Carlos de León & Luis Lewis** (tracks A2, B3,
    1980
    • Under the direction and with the güiro of maestro **Federico Betancourt y Su Orquesta**, the **Discomoda** musical label presented their album **Con Memo Morales** in LP format, featuring Salsa rhythms on the following tracks:
      1. Mi Promesa – Simón García
      2. El Minero – D. en D.
      3. Tu No Me Engañas – Pablo Cairo
      4. Cuando Yo Muera – D. en D.
      5. Esta Noche Voy – D. en D.
      6. Potpurrí De Memo Nº 1 (Te Lo Juro Yo – Bobby Capó / Somos – S. Campuzan / Calatayud – D. en D. / Juan José – Lorenzo Herrera)
      7. Mujer – D. en D.
      8. Pregúntale A La Noche – Carlos Guerra
      9. En El Extranjero – Calixto Varela.
      As the album title indicates, the main vocalist is **Memo Morales**.
    1981
    • The musical career of maestro **Federico Y Su Combo Latino**, in terms of their recordings, continued in 1981 with the album **No Le Digas**. This time, it was for the **Souvenir** label, released in Venezuela in LP format. The tracks included are:
      1. No Le Digan – D. en D.
      2. Besos Brujos – D. en D.
      3. No Quiero Espejo – D. en D.
      4. Canción De La Serranía – Roberto Cole
      5. La Cosquillita – D. en D.
      6. Gutugururu – D. en D.
      7. La Vida Es Un Sueño – Arsenio Rodríguez
      8. La Montura y El Caballo – D. en D.
      9. Cualquiera Resbala y Cae – Jesús Martínez
      10. Síguelo Ahí… A Lo Cortico – José López.
      Participants:
      • Bass: **Rafael Prado**
      • Bongos: **Edgar Blanco**
      • Congas: **John Mujica**
      • Director & Güiro: **Federico Betancourt**
      • Piano: **Diego Del Real**
      • Timbales: **Joe Santamaría**
      • Trombone: **Rodrigo Barboza & Leopoldo “Pucho” Escalante**
      • Trumpet: **Rafael Araujo, Luis Zabala & Alfredo “Pollo” Gil**
      • Vocals: **Dimas Pedroza, Canelita & Orlando Watusi**
      Guest Musicians:
      • **Tata Guerra** (track A2)
      • Trombone: **Héctor “Chispa” Hurtado** (tracks A2, A3, A5, B2, B3)
      Other Credits:
      • Production by **Interamericana De Grabaciones S.A.**
      • Recording and Mixing by **Antonio J. González** at Fidelis (Caracas)
      • Graphic Design: **Miguel Briceño & Orlando Montiel**
      • Arranged By – **Alfredo “Pollo” Gil, Diego Del Real**,
    1983
    • In 1983, **Federico Y Su Combo Latino's** album titled **Nuevamente Federico Y Su Combo** was released by the **Palacio** label. This LP, published in Venezuela, featured the following songs:
      1. Las Malas Lenguas – Edgardo Jiménez
      2. Y Como Es El – J. L. Perales
      3. Cumbia De Cúcuta – Edgardo Jiménez
      4. Si No Eres Tú – P. Flores
      5. Paloma Titibu – B. Rodríguez
      6. Que Te Has Creído Tu – S. González/Goajiro González
      7. Si Machi Quier – Edgardo Jiménez
      8. El Cielo – S. González/Goajiro González
      Among the participating musicians are:
      • Director & Güiro: **Federico Betancourt**
      • Vocals:
        • **Jorge Mendoza** (tracks A1, A3, B4)
        • **Manny Moore** (tracks A2, B1, B2, B3)
        • **Don Wicho** (track A4)
      Other Credits:
      • Graphic Design: **Miguel Jaimes**
      • Photo: **Estudio Jordano**.
      • Mixed by **José Mendoza**
      • Produced by **Federico Betancourt**
      • Recorded & Mixed at **Estudios Fidelis (Caracas)**
      • Recorded by **Francisco González & José Mendoza**.
    • Our great friend **Edgardo Jiménez**, known in Latin music as “Pachapo,” is the composer of the songs: **Las Malas Lenguas, Cumbia De Cúcuta, and Si Machi Quier**.
    1984
    • In 1983, **Federico Y Su Combo Latino's** album titled **Nuevamente Federico Y Su Combo** was released through the **Palacio** label in Venezuela. The LP included the following tracks:
      1. Las Malas Lenguas – Edgardo Jiménez
      2. Y Como Es El – J. L. Perales
      3. Cumbia De Cúcuta – Edgardo Jiménez
      4. Si No Eres Tú – P. Flores
      5. Paloma Titibu – B. Rodríguez
      6. Que Te Has Creído Tu – S. González/Goajiro González
      7. Si Machi Quier – Edgardo Jiménez
      8. El Cielo – S. González/Goajiro González
      The musicians featured on this album were:
      • Director & Güiro: **Federico Betancourt**
      • Vocals:
        • **Jorge Mendoza** (tracks A1, A3, B4)
        • **Manny Moore** (tracks A2, B1, B2, B3)
        • **Don Wicho** (track A4)
      • Other Credits:
        • Graphic Design: **Miguel Jaimes**
        • Photography: **Estudio Jordano**
        • Mixed by: **José Mendoza**
        • Produced by: **Federico Betancourt**
        • Recorded & Mixed at: **Estudios Fidelis (Caracas)**
        • Recorded by: **Francisco González & José Mendoza**
    • Our good friend **Edgardo Jiménez**, known in Latin music as “Pachapo,” composed the songs: **Las Malas Lenguas, Cumbia De Cúcuta**, and **Si Machi Quier**.
    1987
    • A new Venezuelan group named **Saboriongo** recorded an album precisely titled **Saboriongo 87** under the **Sono-Rodven** label in LP format in 1987, featuring Gaita and Salsa rhythms. The album includes the tracks: "Noches de Discoteca," "Los Reyes Magos," "Hoy Junto a Ti," "La Culebra," "La Fiesta," "La Verbena," "Me Enamoré," and "Tentación." It was recorded by Estudios Fidelis with the musical direction of the great **Federico Betancourt**. A **Saboriongo** production for **Sono-Rodven**, with general direction by **Federico Betancourt** and **Víctor Sanguino**.
    1988
    • In 1988, the second **Saboriongo** album, titled **Federico Betancourt Presente con Federico Junior**, was released under the same **Sono-Rodven – Líder** label. This LP, produced in Venezuela, featured Gaita and Salsa rhythms. The tracks on this record are:
      1. Una Alternativa
      2. Caminando En La Arena
      3. Las Colas
      4. Se Equivocaron De Ventana
      5. Habría Bo Orea
      6. Morena
      7. Al Niño Jesús
      8. Quiero Que Seas Para Mí
      9. Llegó La Navidad
      With **Federico Betancourt** as director, this album's arrangements and direction were handled by **Federico Betancourt** and **Alejandro Ávila**.
      • Direction: **Federico Betancourt**
      • Arrangements and Direction: **Federico Betancourt** and **Alejandro Ávila**
      • Label: **Sono-Rodven – Líder**
      • Rhythms: Gaita and Salsa
      • Format: LP
      • Made in: Venezuela
    • In that year, the group **Magia Caribeña** by **Federico Betancourt Jr.** was created, debuting with their first album also titled **Magia Caribeña**, produced for the **Sono-Rodven** label.
    1989
    • A musical production by the famous **Dimensión Latina**, released in 1979, came out under the title **Canto Para Ti**. This LP, from **Sonografica de Venezuela**, includes the tracks: "Te Hice Mujer," "Por Encima De Todo," "Canto Para Ti," "Sokalypso," "Rumberos Del Litoral," "Puerto Cabello," "Deuda De Amor," and "Compadre Querido." This album was produced with the general coordination of maestro **Federico Betancourt**.
    2008
    • A musical production by the famous **Dimensión Latina**, released in 1979, hit the market with the title **Canto Para Ti**, an LP from **Sonografica de Venezuela**. This album includes the tracks: "Te Hice Mujer," "Por Encima De Todo," "Canto Para Ti," "Sokalypso," "Rumberos Del Litoral," "Puerto Cabello," "Deuda De Amor," and "Compadre Querido." This record was produced with the general coordination of maestro **Federico Betancourt**.
    2013
    • **Magia Caribeña** released a new album in 2013, titled **Llegó La Salsa Parte III**, in CD format for the **MC Records** label. **Federico Betancourt Senior** also participated in this album.
    2017
    • With his extensive career, **Federico Betancourt** is a living legend in Venezuelan music history. Since 2017, he has resided with his eldest daughter in Carolina, USA. From there, he has expressed missing the Caracas atmosphere and rumba. He also thanks his son for keeping his legacy alive, stating: “Thanks to my son who doesn’t let me die.”
    • Maestro **Federico Betancourt** is based in North Carolina, United States, where he continues to make music, performing with a musical group in various local venues.
    2018
    • Tracks such as: "Canción de la Serranía," "La Ruñidera," "El Cumbanchero," "Mi Son Guajiro," "Homenaje a Billo’s," and "Lamento del Carretero," are part of the album by **La Orquesta Magia Caribeña de Federico Junior** titled **Llegó la Salsa, Pt. IV: De Hijo a Padre… De Federico A Federico**, released in CD format and recorded on August 9, 2018.
    2020
    • With a musical career spanning six decades, maestro **Jesús Federico Betancourt** was honored in Mexico City, where the **Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana** awarded him an **Honorary Doctorate (Doctorado Honoris Causa)** for his legacy and contributions as a human being, a musician, and a person who has worked for the good of humanity.
    2006
    • In 2021, **Gherson Maldonado** and **José Luis Basulto** published the book **La Salsa de Federico y su Combo Latino**. The writer **José Luis Basulto Villafaña** is a Cuban announcer, journalist, sports commentator, university professor, and writer.
    2022
    • In that year, the documentary **"Llegó Federico y su Salsa"** was made by **Yulian Martínez**, an academic from the College of Charleston. This documentary was created in South Carolina, and maestro **Federico Betancourt** is considered the father of Venezuelan salsa.

    Pensagram

    This feature on our website, www.latinastereo.com, is an homage to the musical career of maestro Jesús Federico Betancourt. He’s a salsa pioneer from our sister country and across Latin America. We’ve dedicated our “Salsero del Mes de marzo” section to him, recognizing his magnificent career. Thank you, Jesús Federico Betancourt!

    Discography

    Long live music!
    Long live salsa!
    Long live Federico Betancourt!

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