Paquito Guzmán was an American vocalist famous for his style of music and rhythm across genres such as bolero, guajira, guaracha, and the subgenre salsa romantica. Throughout his career, he was able to release over 20 albums and became known for the likes of El Caballero de la Salsa (1983), Las Mejores Baladas en Salsa (1986), and Aquí Conmigo (1989).
Unfortunately, his sad demise on December 9, 2021, after a long battle with cancer, left family, friends, and fans heartbroken. Nonetheless, his songs continue to spread across his hometown and several parts of South America.
Here are 10 Facts You Didnt Know about Paquito Guzman
1. He is a Native of Puerto Rico
Though popular by the stage name Paquito, he was born Frank Guzmán Geigel on November 20, 1939. From what we garnered, he was raised in Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico – a neighborhood in the heart of the city known for hosting musical concerts.
While he is in the spotlight, information regarding his family background, parents, and siblings is not known to the public. Also, his educational pursuits have not been disclosed.
2. Paquito was Married to Carmen Guzmán For Many Years
According to our research, Paquito’s wife of many years was Carmen Guzmán. Nonetheless, there is no established information on how they pair met and when they got married. What we know however is that their marriage spanned several decades and also birted children.
Though a public figure, Paquito managed to keep his personal life away from the public. As such, there are no details about his children and what they do. In fact, the only became known following the demise of the vocalist.
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3. The Puerto Rico Native Began His Musical Career in the Early 60s
Paquito developed a passion for music at an early age and soon became part of several groups and would often sing jukebox hits with older boys. He also learned a couple of Cuban sounds including son montuno and repertoire.
Moving on, he joined a number of local bands in Puerto Rico after mastering several genres.
4. Paquito Relocated to New York in Search of Better Opportunities
The singer pursued his musical career with so much zeal but Puerto Rico had very little to offer him in the 60s. As a result, he immigrated to New York at the age of 20 to find better opportunities.
While staying with his cousin, he was introduced to Johnny Montanez, a record store owner, and businessman who proposed recording a single with other talented singers in a group they named Los Originales and recorded Yolanda and Mi Martirio.
He later left the group to join Conjunto Cachana de Joe Quijano and soon recorded three albums of pachanga, boleros, and guarachas. The following year, he recorded 4 more albums with the band including Everything Latin: Yeah, Yeah! and Dance to the Bossa Nova, the Mambo, and the Cha Cha Cha.
5. His Career Kicked Off Following His Return to Puerto Rico
Paquito returned to Puerto Rico to join other bands such as Mario Ortiz and Los Primos but didn’t record any songs with both groups.
A few years later, he was invited to join the Olivencia band which was one of the most famous bands in that region. With the band, he recorded several singles and albums such as Jala Jala y Guaguancó (1965), La Nueva Sensación Musical de Puerto Rico (1967), and llegó Fire Fire (1969).
In 1971, the band released the album A Toda Maquina which featured the romantic hit Sin Compromiso. This hit immediately catapulted Paquito into fame. It was also at this time that he gained many fans in his hometown.
6. Paquito Guzmán Began His Solo Career in 1975
With the Vocalist’s new face of fame, he decided to start a solo career and made his debut in 1972 while he was still with the Olivencia band. After three years, he opted for a fully solo career and released albums such as Escucha Mi Canción (1975), Mintiendo Se Gana Más (1977), and Peligro (1978).
The Puerto Rico native continued to release several albums and host concerts across regions. He soon made name for his style of songs especially his romantic salsa tunes which transcended many parts of South America including Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru.
Some of his popular albums include El Caballero de la Salsa (1983), Las Mejores Baladas en Salsa (1986), and Aquí Conmigo (1989).
7. He Has Made Appearances in Film and Television Shows
Prior to when Paquito’s musical career kicked off, he made an appearance in the popular television show La Pina de los Teenagers as a cast member. He also appeared in the Teenagers Parade as part of a trio.
In his famous days, he also earned a few roles in films and hosted concerts on television shows.
8. Paquito Battled Cancer for Many Years
The once-healthy vocalist soon faded off the screen following his struggles with colon cancer. He battled the dreadful disease for many years and even sort public funds for his treatment sometime in 2019.
At that time, he continually appreciated the efforts his family, friends, and fans were giving and also shared the progress of his treatment.
9. Paquito Guzmán Died in 2021 at the Age of 82
After many years of fighting cancer, Paquito finally gave in to the disease on December 9, 2021, in his home in Toa Baja, Puerto Rican. He was 82 years old at the time of his death and survived by his wife Carmen, children, and grandchildren.
Fans across his native land and South America sent in their condolences while expressing how heartbreaking the news left them.
10. No Funeral Ceremony was Held Following His Demise
Paquito’s family disclosed that there will be no funeral ceremony following the salsa singer’s death. They further explained that this was a last wish from the artist.
While Paquito’s days are over, his songs are still loved by thousands of people across his native land and several places in South America. Needless to say, he recorded over 20 albums during his lifetime.
