Joe Arroyo

by Craig HarrisA diverse sampling of Caribbean music styles, including salsa, compas, merengue, reggae and soca, is fused into the dance-inspiring sounds of Colombia-born vocalist Joe Arroyo (born: Alvaro Jose Arroyo Gonzalez). A former member of leading salsa band, Fruko y sus Tesos, Arroyo has continued to blend musical influences with his own group, La Verdad (The Truth), since 1981.Arroyo began his musical career at the young age of eight when he sang in a strip joint in his hometown of Cartagena. His first break came after he signed with record label, Discos Fuentes, in 1971, and was overheard by bass player, singer, composer and producer Ernesto Estrada, better known as Frugo, who recruited him for his band. Arroyo continued to work with Frugo for the next decade. Although he nearly died from a drug overdose in the early 80s, Arroyo recovered and began to attract attention with his own group, La Verdad.