[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1825]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO ``ORQUESTA ARAGON''

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 1997

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit the following 
tribute for publication in the Congressional Record. It was presented 
on September 13, 1997, at a special event in my South Bronx 
congressional district.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to one of the most famous 
orchestras of Cuban music of all times--the ``Orquesta Aragon,'' from 
Cuba. ``Orquesta Aragon'' will perform on September 13 at a special 
event at Hostos Community College in my South Bronx congressional 
district.
  Thousands of people are expected to attend and enjoy the music of 
this world famous orchestra. At this event, Andy Montanez, one of 
Cuba's most talented composers and singers, will join the orchestra. 
The success of this event is a symbol of the close relationship that 
exists between the people of that Caribbean Island, the South Bronx 
community and beyond.
  ``Orquesta Aragon'' was founded in 1939 by bass player Orestes 
Aragon. In 1945, violin player Rafael Lay became the director of the 
orchestra at the age of 19. During the 1940's and 1950's, it became the 
best orchestra of ``son'', ``mambo'', ``danzon'', and ``cha-cha-cha'' 
in Cuba.
  As a publication in Cuba simply described it: ``Charanga bands were 
divided into two groups; in one was Aragon and, in the other, were all 
the rest.''
  That was the time when all radio stations in Havana carried Aragon 
music. This fact, and the signing of a recording contract with RCA-
Victor, assured the orchestra tremendous international success.
  The orchestra went on tour and gained the hearts of fans in Europe, 
the Far East and the Americas. It has performed on famous stages 
worldwide, including the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow and the 
Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.
  One of the compositions created by Richard Egues, ``El Bodeguero'', 
was soon recorded by Nat King Cole and other famous musicians.
  With the passing away of Rafael Lay, the orchestra's baton was passed 
on to Richard Egues, and most recently to Lay's son, Rafael Lay, Jr.
  Throughout its 58 years of playing great Afro-Cuban music, ``Orquesta 
Aragon'' has recorded over 700 tunes and recorded dozens of LP's and 
CD's. It has also received numerous honors, including the Egrem's Grand 
Prize for breaking record sales with its golden anniversary recording, 
``50 Anos de Oro.''
  The orchestra continues to be acclaimed internationally. In 1992, it 
enjoyed great success at the Carnival in Barranquilla, Colombia.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I ask my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing the exceptional talent of the ``Orquesta 
Aragon'' and in wishing its members continued success.

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