Felipe Rodriguez

Felipe Rodriguez a.k.a. "La Voz" (May 8, 1926 – May 26, 1996) in Caguas, Puerto Rico, was a singer of boleros whose songs are considered as classics in Puerto Rico.

Felipe (born Luis Felipe Rodriguez) had a rough childhood, his father died before he was born. In 1930, his mother Carmen, moved to Santurce and settled down in Barrio Obrero, a tough section in the City of San Juan. There Felipe went to school and practiced his singing skills during his free time. Julito Rodriguez (no relation to Felipe), another bolero singer, heard Felipe sing and invited him to form a singing duo. Later they formed a trio called "Los Romanteros" (The Romantics) and he participated in his first radio program "Tribuna del Arte".

In 1950, Felipe broke away from the trio and tried different projects, such as forming other trios, duos and singing solo. He was given the nickmane, "La Voz", a name which was to stay with him for the rest of his life, by Puerto Rican radio announcer Mariano Artau.

In 1952, he recorded "La Ultima Copa" (The Last Cup), "Golondrina Verde" (Green Stalk), "Los Reyes no Llegaron" (The Wisemen did not Arrive), and "Esta Navidad" (This Christmas) which became "hits" and are now considered as "classics" in Puerto Rico. Felipe went on tour in the United States where he broke the previous attendence and ticket records set for the Hispanic audience by Argentine singer Libertad Lamarque.

In 1954, Felipe met Pedro Ortiz Davila "Davilita" and formed a very successful duo. Even though "Davilita"'s voice was not as sharp as it was when he was younger, they were able to score many "hits" together. In the 1960s, they, together with Rafael Cortijo and El Gran Combo confronted the new wave of rock music which was invading the island.

In 1959, Felipe became the first Puerto Rican to sing the Puerto Rican National Hymn at a sporting event, celebrated at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where fellow Puerto Rican Carlos Ortiz won the World Jr. Welterweight boxing title and which was televised coast to coast.

Back in Puerto Rico, Felipe landed his own radio program at "RADIO WITA" called "Este Es Tu Disco" (This is your Record). In 1973, Felipe and Davilita recorded "Canciones de Pedro Flores" and in 1974, "Canciones de Rafael Hernandez". Also in 1974, Felipe, Davilita and Pellin Rodriguez (no relation to Felipe) recorded a triology which also are considered as "classics" in Puerto Rico. These were "La Protesta de los Reyes" (The Protest of the Wisemen), "Parranda parrandera" and "Navidad" (Christmas).

In the 1980s, Felipe continued to record and had hits with "Por Primera Vez" (1983) (For the First Time) and "Juntos otra Vez" (1986) (Together Again). In 1987, he was able to realize one of his "dreams", he performed before his public at the Luis A. Ferre Center of the Beautiful Arts in San Juan.

In the 1990s, Felipe continued to be active as a singer and when not singing he would be at the recording studio producing. He suffered a fall in his house which eventually complicated his health and contributed to his death.

Felipe "La Voz" Rodriguez died on May 26, 1996 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The City of Caguas named the principal hall in its Pavilion of Fame, The Felipe "La Voz" Rodriguez Hall. A book written by music historian Pedro Malavet Vega "La Vellonera esta directa" is about the life of Felipe "La Voz" Rodriguez.

Felipe Rodriguez

See also