A talented multi-instrumentalist primarily known for his focus on bass, Fruko began his career as a studio musician with Discos Fuentes during his teenage years. He soon joined Lisandro Meza’s cumbia group, Los Corraleros de Majagual and travelled with them to New York in 1968, just as salsa was emerging (with Willie Colón’s debut album, El Malo, having been released in 1967). Upon returning to Colombia, Fruko established his band, Fruko y Sus Tesos.
Their debut album, Tesura (meaning “smoothness”), made a powerful impact in 1969. Featuring perhaps the most striking cover art in Latin music history (with Fruko standing in the photo above, a gun draped around his neck), the album blended pounding African-inspired rhythms, bold horns playing unexpectedly sophisticated arrangements, and a garage-rock bugalu vibe, bringing salsa close to the raw energy of punk rock. Read more here.
Fruko's influence can still be seen in today's Colombian music scene. His legacy lives on through the countless artists who continue to incorporate elements of salsa into their music, keeping the genre alive and kicking.
Check out an in-depth conversation about his journey growing up and playing music in Colombia below.
