Popularly known as "El Brujo"--the sorcerer--the Dominican salsero and merenguero Valoy first attracted attention in the 50s in the duo Los Ahijados, with his brother Martín. Los Ahijados played son, the Cuban form that has always had, and still has, a substantial following in the Dominican Republic.

In the 70s he formed a dance band, variously known as Los Virtuosos and El Tribu, which included his son Ramón Orlando Valoy (who would become well-known in the 80s as bandleader Ramón Orlando) on piano. Valoy's music at this point was big-band son, what was now being called salsa. His hits in this genre include "Juliana" and "Nació Varón." He increasingly included into his repertoire merengue, the Dominican national music that was becoming internationally successful.

In 1997 producer Sergio George recorded a version of Valoy's "Juliana" with DLG, featuring a guest spot for Valoy's distinctive voice. The song was a major Latin hit and paved the way for a mini-renaissance of Valoy's music with a new generation. Now in his 70s, he appears frequently in the New York area, his charm and talent intact


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