[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Pages 1248-1249]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING ROGELIO DARIAS

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to mourn the passing of one of 
Nevada's finest entertainers, Rogelio Darias. Known in Las Vegas and 
throughout the world as simply the ``The Bongo King,'' Rogelio brought 
smiles to all those within earshot with his rhythmic talents. Mr. 
Darias passed away on January 20, 2010, at the age of 93.
  Born in Santa Clara, Cuba, Rogelio first began his storied career as 
a percussionist in a band with his siblings, Pedro and Diego, at the 
tender age of eight. Their musical group, known as the ``Hermanos 
Darias'' quickly garnered the attention of music producers throughout 
Cuba, and it was not long before young Rogelio was swept away to the 
big city of Havana, where he pursued further his musical career. He 
soon began working with Havana's most well-known musicians, such as 
Maestro Ernesto Lecuona and Chiquito Orefiche, and performing both on 
the radio station Cadena Azul Chain and at the National Theater.
  Rogelio's mastery of the his craft became world famous, and before 
long he was traveling to Europe, Asia, and Africa, spreading his 
``bongo gospel'' to people of all races, nationalities, and creeds. 
Notwithstanding his world-wide fame, Mr. Darias continually sought to 
better himself as a musician. He spent several months living in the 
Africa's Belgian Congo, where he studied the authentic African rhythms 
created by the local indigenous population. Years later he also worked 
alongside Polynesian musicians in Hawaii, as well as Japanese musicians 
in Tokyo. His love of any and all music, and instatiable appetite for 
knowledge undoubtedly contributed to Mr. Darias' seemingly endless 
musical talents and knowledge.
  By the 1960s, the Bongo King had arrived in Las Vegas, one of the 
world's foremost performing arts centers. During his time in Las Vegas, 
Rogelio established himself as one of the most sought-after musical 
collaborators in the industry. His incredible beats were in high demand 
by stars such as

[[Page 1249]]

Liberace and Charo, with both of whom he toured. Hollywood also came 
calling, and as a result Rogelio performed for both Johnny Carson and 
Merv Griffin and their respective hit shows.
  In spite of his worldwide fame and incredible accomplishments, 
Rogelio Darias remained a loyal friend and family member to those who 
knew him best. His passing has come as a great tragedy to all those 
people who depended on him for a laugh and a smile. Las Vegas lost a 
monumental entertainer in the passing of Rogelio Darias. The Bongo King 
will be deeply missed by all of Las Vegas, and countless music-lovers 
throughout the world.

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