Ismael Rivera, often celebrated as “El Sonero Mayor,” was a groundbreaking Puerto Rican singer and one of the most influential voices in salsa and Afro-Caribbean music. Emerging in the 1950s as the lead vocalist for Cortijo y Su Combo, Rivera captivated audiences with his improvisational flair, rhythmic mastery, and deep connection to Afro-Puerto Rican traditions. His innovative blending of bomba, plena, and salsa rhythms helped lay the foundation for modern Latin music, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire artists across generations.