The history of La Sonora Ponceña is the history of Quique Lucca, (Yauco, Puerto Rico, 12 December 1912 - 9 October 2016). In 1928, when he was 16 years old, his family moves to Ponce, Puerto Rico and Quique starts to work as an auto mechanic and starts playing the guitar. In 1932 Quique meets Angélica Quiñones, the future mother of his children, Zulma, Papo y Wanda. In 1944 Quique puts together a band called "El Conjunto Internacional", including three instrumentalists: tumbadora, bongó, vocalist and Quique Lucca at the guitar and second voice. Later, Antonio "Tato" Santaella joined, playing the bongó. On 10 April 1946, Enrique Lucca Jr. ("Papo") was born; he would later become the musical director of "La Sonora". In fact, in 1951, Papo surprised his father and the other members of the "Internacional" band when, at only 5 years old, he joined a band practice and started playing the tumbadora on Tito Puente's "Ran Kan Kan".
After the band had been inactive for a year, Quique re-established it in 1954 and renamed it "Conjunto Sonora Ponceña". His childhood friend Antonio "Tato" Santaella played bajo de cajón. On 20 April of that year the band plays at its first official dance. In 1956, Vicentivo Morales, joins the band as its first pianist. Later that year, Quique brings young Papo into the band as a pianist. In November 1957, Papo makes its official debut during a dance on the northern shore of the Island. In 1958, La Sonora Ponceña records its first 78 RPM with Avelino Muñoz as pianist. The 78 RPM contained No puede Ser on one side and Tan Linda que Era on the reverse side. Towards the end of 1958, the band goes into recording mode and includes 12-year-old Papo Lucca. The band included its first official vocalist Charlie Martínez. Later on, vocalists Felipe and Davilita would also record bolero-mambo themes such as Noche de Locura. In September 1960, the group played in New York. The group's main attraction was its 12-year-old pianist, Papo Lucca. In 1968 the group started its official recordings on 33 RPM with the song Hacheros Pa' Un Palo.
In 1974, singer Humberto "Tito" Gómez leaves the band after 7 years and 6 recordings. Together with Joe Rodríguez and Mickey Ortíz, Humberto "Tito" Gómez formed La Terrífica. Likewise, in 1977 Edgardo Morales, who played the timbal leaves the band after 7 years and 7 recordings and joins El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. In 1978 singer Luis Guillermo "Luigui" Texidor leves the band after 10 years and 10 recordings to join Bobby Valentín's Orchestra. In 1982 trumpetist Humberto Godineaux leaves the band after 4 years a 6 recordings. Singer Yolanda Rivera also left the band after 7 years and 8 recordings. In 1985, singer Miguel Ortíz retires from the band after 11 years and 12 recordings. On 28 May 1986, the band losses singer Alberto "Toñito" Ledée in a car accident. In 1987, trumpetist Heriberto "Ayatollah" Santiago also retires having 7 years and 5 recordings to his credit. In July 1989, long-time bass player Antonio "Tato" Santaella retired after 21 recordings. Tato played without ever using any musical scores, and singing entirely "by ear". A year later, in 1990, another bass player Efraín "Frao" Hernández retired from the band after 10 years and 7 recordings. In 1990, bongó player Angel Hernández also retired after 14 years and 13 recordings. In 1991, tumbadora player Vicente "Pequeño Johnny" Rivera retires after 16 years with the band. He had performed on 15 of the band's recordings. In 1993, long-time trumpeter Ramón "Tony El Cordovés" Rodríguez retired after 24 recordings. This was followed by the retirement of trumpeter Freddie Del Valle, who had played with the band for 6 years and had participated in 5 recordings.
In 1993, the band played at the Magno Orchestra Festival in Barranquilla, Colombia. The band was awarded the “Congo de Oro” award, given to the best international band. And in October 1994, Sonora Ponceña celebrated its 40th anniversary with a festival at Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. The band would later also play at the Madison Square Garden to bring its celebration to the United States. In 1995, the band did a reunion recording with Luis Guillermo "Luigi" Texidor and Yolanda Rivera who had retired 19 and 14 years earlier, respectively. That same year, they sang in Paris, France, and at the Desfile de la Hispanidad (Hispanic Parade) in Zaragoza, Spain. In 1996 the band plays for the first time in Mexico at the Boca del Río, Veracruz, Mexico, carnival.
In 2000, Sonora Ponceña celebrated its 45th anniversary at the Tito Puente Amphitheater at the Centro de Bellas Artes in San Juan, Puerto Rico and at the Teatro La Perla in Ponce. They also played in Caracas, Venezuela as part of this 45th anniversary celebration. In the years following 2000, La Sonora Ponceña participated in a large number of events throughout Puerto Rico, including Fiestas Patronales, private parties, graduation parties, and corporate Christmas and holiday parties. In the following years, the band also made presentations in Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami, Washington, Connecticut, Philadelphia, Chicago, New Jersey, Panamá, Perú, England, Switzerland and Italy.
For its 50th year anniversary (2004), the band played at Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. The 12,000 spectators made the show a complete sellout on its presentation day, February 21. The show was broadcast via radio and television.
During its 50th anniversaery show at Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez, the band was officially recognized by the Legislature of Puerto Rico for its musical contributions.
The 23rd “Día Nacional de la Salsa”, celebrated in Carolina, Puerto Rico on 16 March 2004, was dedicated to Don Quique, Papo and la Sonora Ponceña.
In Ponce there is a street, in Urb. Estancias del Golf, named after Quique Lucca.
The 2003 "Feria de Turismo", celebrated at Complejo Turístico “La Guancha” in Ponce was dedicated to Don Quique, Papo and la Sonora Ponceña.
Hasta Que Se Rompa El Cuero
Sonora Ponceña Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Esta rumba a los rumberos
Por su gran habilidad, por su gran habilidad
Repuntando con los cueros...
El bajo y el piano
Y tu con los cueros.
Hasta que se rompa el cuero (Bis).
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero).
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Yo les quiero dedicar...
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Esta... rumba a los rumberos.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Hasta que se rompa el cuero.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Repica bongo, bongo, bongocero.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Es que me enciendo... cuando repican los cueros.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Yo y mi coro cantaremos...
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Hasta... que se rompa el cuero.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Sin la rumba yo me muero...
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero).
"Repica rumbero ay! na' ma
Dicelo pa' los rumberos
Mami, ah, como".
"Tocamela angelito con tu dedo maravilloso
El dedo gordo y no es dependiente".
(Angelito, castiga ese cuero).
(Angelito, castiga ese cuero)
Dilo Angel Hernández.
(Angelito, castiga ese cuero) (Bis).
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Bajo y piano mira! junto con los cueros.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Todos juntos, y a que se canse el primero.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Vamo' a ver quien dura mas...
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Mira pero yo voy a mi...
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Repica bongo, bongo, bongocero.
The lyrics to Sonora Ponceña's song Hasta Que Se Rompa El Cuero are a tribute to rumberos, or drummers, for their amazing skill and ability to play their instruments. The song celebrates the musicians who play the bass, piano, and especially the drums, urging them to keep playing until they break the drumheads. The energetic beats of the bongos are also given special attention, as they keep the rhythm of the song.
The song is a call to action, urging everyone to join in the celebration of the rumba by singing and dancing along. The repetition of the phrase "Hasta que se rompa el cuero" emphasizes the intensity and stamina required to keep the party going. The lyrics also playfully ask the rumberos to keep playing until they drop, challenging them to see who can last the longest.
Overall, the song is a lively and joyful tribute to the power and excitement of rumba music, and to the talented and hard-working musicians who bring it to life.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo les quiero dedicar, yo les quiero dedicar...
I want to dedicate this song to you...
Esta rumba a los rumberos
This rumba is for the rumberos...
Por su gran habilidad, por su gran habilidad
For their great ability, for their great ability...
Repuntando con los cueros...
Playing with the drums...
El bajo y el piano
The bass and the piano...
Y tu con los cueros.
And you with the drums.
Yo y mi coro cantaremos
My choir and I will sing...
Hasta que se rompa el cuero (Bis).
Until the drums break (repeat).
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero).
(Until the drums break).
Repica bongo, bongo, bongocero.
Strum the bongo, bongo, bongocero.
Es que me enciendo... cuando repican los cueros.
I get excited... when the drums play.
Sin la rumba yo me muero...
I'll die without the rumba...
"Repica rumbero ay! na' ma
"Play the drums rumbero ay! na' ma
Dicelo pa' los rumberos
Tell it to the rumberos.
Mami, ah, como".
Mami, ah, like that".
"Tocamela angelito con tu dedo maravilloso
"Play it for me angel with your wonderful finger
El dedo gordo y no es dependiente".
The big finger and it's not dependent".
(Angelito, castiga ese cuero).
(Angelito, punish that drum).
Dilo Angel Hernández.
Say it Angel Hernandez.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero) (Bis).
(Until the drums break) (repeat).
Bajo y piano mira! junto con los cueros.
Bass and piano look! with the drums.
Todos juntos, y a que se canse el primero.
All together, and let the first one get tired.
Vamo' a ver quien dura mas...
Let's see who lasts longer...
Mira pero yo voy a mi...
But I'll go my own way...
Repica bongo, bongo, bongocero.
Strum the bongo, bongo, bongocero.
Writer(s): Juan Diego Gallego Lopez
Contributed by Gabriella D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@meeracruz2990
Yo les quiero dedicar, yo les quiero dedicar...
esta rumba a los rumberos
por su gran habilidad, por su gran habilidad
repuntando con los cueros...
El bajo y el piano
y tu con los cueros.
Yo y mi coro cantaremos
hasta que se rompa el cuero (Bis).
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero).
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Yo les quiero dedicar...
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Esta... rumba a los rumberos.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Hasta que se rompa el cuero.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Repica bongo, bongo, bongocero.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Es que me enciendo... cuando repican los cueros.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Yo y mi coro cantaremos...
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Hasta... que se rompa el cuero.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Sin la rumba yo me muero...
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero).
"Repica rumbero ay! na' ma
dicelo pa' los rumberos
mami, ah, como".
"Tocamela angelito con tu dedo maravilloso
el dedo gordo y no es dependiente".
(Angelito, castiga ese cuero).
(Angelito, castiga ese cuero)
Dilo Angel Hernández.
(Angelito, castiga ese cuero) (Bis).
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Bajo y piano mira! junto con los cueros.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Todos juntos, y a que se canse el primero.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Vamo' a ver quien dura mas...
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Mira pero yo voy a mi...
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Repica bongo, bongo, bongocero.
@DistilLifeMusic
No soy un gran amante de la salsa, pero esta canción me recuerda a mi viejo que en paz descanse 🇵🇪❤️☮️
@maurorosero942
Buenos temas, excelente selección felicitaciones
@mariafernandagonzalezbeltr5904
Está canción esta en un CD de éxitos de la Sonora Ponceña que tiene mi papá y siempre que viajo a la cdmx (ciudad de México) lo escucho de camino 🛣️
@walterhernancartagenavalen6537
Indiscutiblemente la mejor, que deleite.
@meeracruz2990
Yo les quiero dedicar, yo les quiero dedicar...
esta rumba a los rumberos
por su gran habilidad, por su gran habilidad
repuntando con los cueros...
El bajo y el piano
y tu con los cueros.
Yo y mi coro cantaremos
hasta que se rompa el cuero (Bis).
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero).
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Yo les quiero dedicar...
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Esta... rumba a los rumberos.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Hasta que se rompa el cuero.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Repica bongo, bongo, bongocero.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Es que me enciendo... cuando repican los cueros.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Yo y mi coro cantaremos...
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Hasta... que se rompa el cuero.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Sin la rumba yo me muero...
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero).
"Repica rumbero ay! na' ma
dicelo pa' los rumberos
mami, ah, como".
"Tocamela angelito con tu dedo maravilloso
el dedo gordo y no es dependiente".
(Angelito, castiga ese cuero).
(Angelito, castiga ese cuero)
Dilo Angel Hernández.
(Angelito, castiga ese cuero) (Bis).
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Bajo y piano mira! junto con los cueros.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Todos juntos, y a que se canse el primero.
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Vamo' a ver quien dura mas...
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Mira pero yo voy a mi...
(Hasta que se rompa el cuero)
Repica bongo, bongo, bongocero.
@bklynmaxred
This brings back great memories. Thanks. I wonder if you would, consider downloading the awesome merengue from this album?
@estrellacocina
Dirán los foristas que no es la obligación de quienes publican estas joyas musicales de todos los tiempos, pero al menos tómense el trabajo de decir quién canta, los mínimos datos y año de grabación. Es cultura musical, no oír por oír. Son maestros.
@ercuevas1
TROMPETA, PIANO, MUSICA Y SAOCO QUE ME PODEMOS PEDIR, LO MEJOR DE LO MEJOR, ASI ES
@alfonsopossolargo9095
NO VALE LA PENA IRSE DE ESTE MUNDO SIN HABERLE DADO TANTICO GUSTO A LA VIDA.......HASTA QUE SE ROMPA EL CUERO.......
@jairohurtado1734
Paz en su tumba gracias angelito x tu legado