Covid-19 took the life of singer Vinicio Antonio Franco Rodríguez on Saturday night, known as Vinicio “Mambo” Franco in the artistic world. He was hospitalized last week at Ramón de Lara Hospital for the deadly virus that ended his life at the age of 87.
Vinicio Franco was born in Puerto Plata on September 14, 1933. From childhood he was interested in music. He was a percussionist, a pianist and skillfully performed the güira. In addition to meringue, he distinguished himself as an interpreter of bolero and salsa.
His artistic development began in Santo Domingo in 1952 and in 1957 he recorded his first album for the Antonio Morel Orchestra on Radhamés Aracena’s “Guarachita” label. He was the lead vocalist of the San José de La Voz Dominicana Super Orchestra and was in the orchestra of maestro Rafael Solano for many years and was part of the Johnny Ventura Combo Show.
Franco had a close friendship with Professor Rafael Solano. He was in the orchestra for 36 years, so most of his career was developed with the award-winning pianist and composer.
The emblematic meringues marked his career. Among others, he will always be remembered for songs such as “Apagame la vela”, by Bienvenido Brens, “Ah, I don’t know, no” by Johnny Ventura and Mundito Espinal, “Siña Juanica”, merengue by Félix López or salve Oye Nena ”By Alexis Camilo Morel.
Vinicio Franco recorded 460 meringues, a genre with which he managed to establish himself as an interpreter. His songs have been promoted in New York, Curaçao, Argentina, Miami and Venezuela, among other international stages. His music was recorded, in addition to the label “Guarachita”, by Ansonia and Kubaney, among others.
He shared on stage with artists such as Joseíto Mateo, Francis Santana, Alberto Beltrán, among other figures of folk song.
The details of the memorial service are not yet known.
The legendary artist left a musical legacy, and here we share some titles with which he stood out.