Sammy Marrero, Salsa Singer, Dies at 84

Why this is here: Sammy Marrero performed for approximately 44 consecutive years as the lead vocalist for the influential salsa orchestra, La Selecta.

Sammy Marrero, a prominent voice of the Puerto Rican salsa orchestra La Selecta, died at age 84 in Puerto Rico. His daughter, Jennissa Marrero Morales, announced his death and remembered him as a loving father and unforgettable friend. Marrero sang with La Selecta, led by the late Raphy Leavitt, for roughly 44 years starting in 1971.

After Leavitt’s death in 2015, a new group formed so Marrero could continue performing for his fans. He began his solo career in 2016, releasing the song “Yo soy Sammy Marrero.” A legal dispute briefly prevented him from performing some of La Selecta’s most famous songs, including “Payaso” and “El buen pastor.”

Governor Jenniffer González Colón and Coamo Mayor Juan Carlos García both expressed their sorrow at Marrero’s passing, acknowledging his lasting impact on Puerto Rican music and culture. His distinctive voice and songs like “Jíbaro soy” will remain part of the musical heritage, but the details of his final days are not shared.