Ismael Miranda is having a banner year…
The 65-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer and Fania All Stars member has earned his third No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Songs chart as his latest single “Bajo, Piano & Bongo” moves up 2-1.
The song, featuring Bobby Valentin, Richie Ray and Roberto Roena, is Miranda’s second chart-topper this year. He previously topped the chart with “Son 45” in February.
With the climb, Miranda claims the most No. 1s on Billboard’s Tropical Songs chart for a member of Fania All-Stars, the legendary salsa group formed by Fania Records in 1968. Miranda breaks out of a tie with Celia Cruz (two No. 1s).
The airplay increase also scores Valentin, who plays bass on the track, and Roena (bongos) — each longtime members of Fania All-Stars as well — their first chart-topper. Richie Ray, an iconic salsa musician known as El Embajador del Piano (The Piano Ambassador), who has collaborated with Fania All-Stars throughout his career, also scores his first No. 1 on the list.
“Bajo, Piano & Bongo” was written and produced by salsa superstar Victor Manuelle, who currently ties Marc Anthony for the record for most No. 1s on the chart (25). When asked about creating this song, Manuelle shared with Billboard, “It’s one of the most important songs that I’ve composed, and was a challenge writing a song for stars of their status.”
It’s the second track to crown the chart from Miranda’s latest album, Son 45, which peaked at No. 3 on the Tropical Albums chart. The set’s title track, an ode to his 45-year career, reached the top on the chart dated February 21.
Manuelle says “reaching No. 1 lets us know that there is still an audience that values good salsa.”
