Louie Ramirez (February 24, 1938 – June 7, 1993)[1] was an American boogaloo, salsa and latin jazz percussionist, vibraphonist, band leader and composer. He co-wrote with Johnny Pacheco the 1961 hit "El Güiro De Macorina".[2] He has been called "the Quincy Jones of Salsa."[3][4]
Ramirez was born in Manhattan, New York City, United States.[2] He made his professional debut with Joe Loco's band in 1956, replacing vibraphonist Pete Terrace.[2] Ramirez made his own debut as a bandleader in 1963, with Introducing Louie Ramirez (Rmo Records).[2] He subsequently recorded for Alegre, Fania, Atco, United Artists Records, Caiman, FNA and RMM Records & Video.[4][5]
He partnered with Charlie Palmieri and Joe Cuba from 1965 to 1968.[2] With Tito Rodriguez he released the LP Tito Rodríguez y Louie Ramírez En Algo Nuevo in 1972.[2] He became a staff producer at Fania in 1975.[2] He appeared as a sideman or a production assistant on many recordings by other artists, such as Willie Colón, in the 1970s.[4]
On June 7, 1993, while driving along Junction Boulevard in Queens, New York, Ramirez suffered a fatal heart attack,[3] at the age of 55.[1] He was recording his third album with the singer Ray De La Paz. It was entitled Preparate Bailador.
