Albino played and sang through his youth years. It wasn't until years later, however, that he would get a chance to sing as part of an organized act. Albino joined the United States Army during World War II, where he formed a quartet and was allowed to sing for his fellow soldiers.
In 1946, Albino performed in a "trio" for the first time. Later on, he would become a member and lead voice of the Trio San Juan, which went on to become an internationally acclaimed group.
Trio San Juan was rivaled at the time by the Trio Los Panchos for popularity. Ironically, Albino later on left "Trio San Juan" and joined "Los Panchos", as the leading voice, replacing another legendary trio singer, Julito Rodriguez.
Albino joined "Los Panchos" in 1958 and he remained there until 1968. The group became famous across the world, and Albino toured the United States, Europe and Japan. With "Los Panchos", he recorded to Japanese albums, and he also performed alongside many superstars, such as Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and others.
Albino left "Los Panchos" in the middle of various disputes and internal group problems, culminating in a lawsuit by the management of Los Panchos against Albino for breach of contract, as well as a countersuit by Albino. Part of the settlement agreement consisted of Albino relinquishing all royalties to recordings made by Los Panchos and a stipulation for him never to record or perform any of the group's songs.[1] He then went on to form, or become a member of many famous Puerto Rican trios. Notably, Miguel Poventud whose participation in the album "Los Panchos by Special Request" are a compilation of love songs recorded in English for CBS. "El Trio Los Panchos Historia y Cronica" by Pablo Mareial Ortiz Ramos p. 263. Also, "Grandes Exitos de Johnny Albino con Los Panchos" DHIT 2093.2 21 June 2005 is his main performance with Miguel Poventud on "requinto" (guitar) and voice accompaniment.
Johnny Albino currently lives in Puerto Rico. His career spans over 300 albums and CDs.
Preciosa
Johnny Albino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
De mi borinquen hermosa
Por eso la quiero tanto
Por siempre la llamaré preciosa
Isla del Caribe
Yo sé de sus lindas trigueñas
Sé del olor de sus rosas
Por siempre la llamaré preciosa
Isla del Caribe
Borinquen
Preciosa, te llaman, las olas del mar
(Que te baña)
Preciosa por ser un encanto
(Por ser un edén)
Tienes la noble hidalguía de la madre España
El fiero cantío del indio bravío
Lo tienes también
Preciosa, te llaman, los bardos
Que cantan tu historia
No importa, el destino te trate con negra maldad
Preciosa serás sin banderas
Sin lauros ni gloria
Preciosa, te llaman, los hijos de la libertad
Preciosa, te llaman, los bardos
Que cantan tu historia
No importa, el destino te trate con negra maldad
Preciosa serás sin banderas
Sin lauros ni gloria
Preciosa, te llaman, los hijos de la libertad
The lyrics to Johnny Albino's song "Preciosa" express the deep love and admiration the singer has towards his homeland, Puerto Rico. He acknowledges the enchantment and beauty of his island, which is why he calls it "preciosa." He references the lovely complexion of Puerto Rican women and the sweet aroma of Puerto Rican roses. Albino also speaks to the rich cultural history of Puerto Rico, with its mixture of Spanish and indigenous influences.
The song's refrain refers to the waves of the sea calling out to Puerto Rico, recognizing the island's charm and beauty. Albino describes Puerto Rico as a paradise, with its noble heritage from Spain, fierce passion from its indigenous Taíno population, and the patriotic spirit of its people. The singer asserts that no matter what happens, Puerto Rico will always be "preciosa," especially to those who fight for its freedom and liberty.
Overall, the lyrics of "Preciosa" celebrate Puerto Rico's natural beauty and cultural richness. The song is an anthem to those who love their homeland and are proud of their heritage.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo sé lo que son los encantos
I know the charm and appeal of my beautiful Borinquen
De mi borinquen hermosa
Of my beautiful Borinquen
Por eso la quiero tanto
That is why I love it so much
Por siempre la llamaré preciosa
I will always call it Preciosa
Isla del Caribe
Island of the Caribbean
Yo sé de sus lindas trigueñas
I know of its beautiful brown-skinned women
Sé del olor de sus rosas
I know the scent of its roses
Por eso a mi tierra riqueña
That is why I call my rich land
Borinquen
Borinquen
Preciosa, te llaman, las olas del mar
The sea waves call you Preciosa
(Que te baña)
(which bathes you)
Preciosa por ser un encanto
Preciosa because it's charming
(Por ser un edén)
(because it's a paradise)
Tienes la noble hidalguía de la madre España
You have the noble chivalry of Mother Spain
El fiero cantío del indio bravío
The fierce song of the brave Indian
Lo tienes también
You have it too
Preciosa, te llaman, los bardos
The poets call you Preciosa
Que cantan tu historia
Who sing your story
No importa, el destino te trate con negra maldad
No matter if fate treats you with black malice
Preciosa serás sin banderas
You will be Preciosa without flags
Sin lauros ni gloria
Without laurels or glory
Preciosa, te llaman, los hijos de la libertad
The children of freedom call you Preciosa
Writer(s): Rafael Hernandez
Contributed by Isabelle D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mariainocencia5623
Nunca pasará de moda. Así enamoraban los hombres del pasado.
@hectorledezma3262
que maravillosa canción del boricua don Rafael Hernández interpretada magistralmente por el inolvidable Trio Los Panchos una exquisitez a nuestros oidos
@eduardomg3773
Preciosa !!!
@Borinquenbellateamo
que bella cancion ! siempre la llamare preciosa, isla del caribe!
@edgardomujica30
Linda musica activa mayo 2020
@maxilon-canario
No son Los Panchos. Es una grabación que Johnny Albino realizó con otro trío después de salir de Los Panchos.
@conradoolmedo9560
Albino oroginal ya cansado los demas descuadra dos