La Sonora Matancera

Initially known as "Septeto Soprano", this Cuban group, created in 1924, adapted its name to "La Sonora Matancera" in 1932. From 1949 to 1950, Myrta Silva (a.k.a. "La Gorda De Oro") was the lead singer in this legendary Cuban salsa-group. Later, on August 3, 1950, Celia Cruz replaced Myrta Silva, who had returned to her native Puerto Rico. Celia Cruz left the group in 1965 only to be re-united 17 years later at a concert at Madison Square Gardens as a tribute to her.
After Rogelio Martínez died in 2001, it was the end of La Sonora Matancera.

Often considered an amateur Sonora Matancera the original no longer exists. And acendra confusion, since after the death of Don Rogelio Martínez in 2001, it appeared as if by magic, many groups with different names and with the appearance of being the direct descendants of Matanzas. Current Sonora Matancera, with a revamped roster, is guided since 2003 by the pianist, arranger and composer Cuban Javier Vasquez, son of the legendary founder Paul Vasquez, Bubu. Has the consent, of course, Rogelio Martinez Jr., heir of the name of the group.
From its headquarters in Las Vegas, which flies to EU request their services. With notable success was pleased to matanceromanía Bonaire, Mexico and many cities in the United States.
In 2009 they released their latest album called There Sonora Pa' Rato. This marvelous group Sonora Matancera remains archetype and paradigm of popular music in our continent.

La Sonora Matancera has been called, by the Guinness Book of World Records, "The group with the longest duration."

Not to be confused with Conjunto Gloria Matancera (with whom they kind of competed, coming from the same town: Matanzas) or Sonora Gloria Matancera.