José Benito Barros Palomino (1915–2007) was a prolific Colombian composer, celebrated for his significant contributions to the nation's musical heritage. Born in El Banco, Magdalena, he authored over 800 songs spanning genres such as cumbia, porro, merengue, currulao, paseo, bolero, and tango. His iconic compositions, including "La Piragua," "El Pescador," and "Momposina," have been performed by renowned artists like Carlos Vives and La Sonora Matancera. Barros's deep connection to Colombian folk traditions and his innovative spirit earned him the moniker "El compositor del río" (The River Composer), solidifying his legacy as a cornerstone of Colombian music. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Barros?utm_source=openai))