Jaime Covarrubias

After moving across the island to Ponce, a town located in the south coast, he organized the "Orquesta Hatuey de Ponce". Julito Rodriguez got his first guitar as a present from his mother. He returned to San Juan in 1946, to study at the Universidad de Puerto Rico, there he joined the ROTC band directed by Rafael Alers. His first "trio" was named "Los Romanceros". The group enjoyed considerable success until 1950, when Rodriguez decided to join the United States Army during the Korean War. Rafael Hernández helped Rodriguez decide to join the world famous trio, Los Panchos, in 1952. Julito Rodriguez became an idol in Mexico as well, recording 122 songs as a member of Los Panchos in that country. Many years later, Manuel "Chuchu" Hernandez continues to carry his legacy in the SGM arena. Rodriguez, as a composer, wrote one of the classics of the Latin American bolero repertory: Mar y cielo (Sea and Sky). -..el mar y el cielo, se ven igual de azules, y en la distancia, parece que se unen..-. Julito Rodríguez was succeeded at Los Panchos by Johnny Albino. Nevertheless, he continued active in trio music, forming the "Trio Los Primos" group. In 1961, this group became the first Puerto Rican trio to perform at New York's Radio City Music Hall. The group later changed its name to "Julito Rodriguez and his Trio". Julito Rodiguez and his Trio was composed of Junior Nazario, best second voice on Puerto Rico, and Rafael Scharron. Scharron is considered the best "requinto," first guitar of Puerto Rico. Julito Rodriguez and his Trio stayed together for more than 16 years. Julito Rodriguez, Junior Nazario and Rafael Scharron are considered one of the best trios of Puerto Rico. Together they participated in movies and traveled all over the world representing the beautiful island of Puerto Rico and entertaining thousands with beautiful music. The trio recorded nine LP albums, and remained together until 1983, after which Rodriguez returned to a more private life. Rodriguez and Albino were joined in 2000 during a series of concerts, to commemorate their respective eras as members of Los Panchos. Rodriguez died in his home in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, at age 87 in on July 27, 2013, due to health complications. He was buried at the Puerto Rico National Cemetery in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.

• Name — Julito Rodríguez Reyes • Born — 5 October 1925 • Died — 27 July 2013 • Place of death — Hato Rey, Puerto Rico • Origin — Santurce, Puerto Rico • Instrument — guitar • Genre — bolero • Occupation — composer