by Craig HarrisA member of the Fania All Stars since 1973, Roberto Roena is a master of Latin percussion. In addition to performing with his own band, Roberto Roena Y Su Apollo Sound, Roena has played bongos and congas for such top-notch Latin performers as Ruben Blades, Tito Cruz, Papo Sanchez, Adalberto Santiago, Elias Lopes, and Julio Gunda Merced. Roena initially attracted attention when he accompanied Ismael Rivera on the popular television show El Show de Cortijo Y Su Combo. Broadcast daily from 1954 until 1955, the show established Roena as one of Puerto Ricos best percussionists. He remained with the group until 1962 when he joined Gran Combode Puerto Rico. He formed his own band in 1969.