Raphy Leavitt
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Raphy Leavitt (born September 17, 1948 in San Juan, Puerto Rico) is a Puerto Rican composer and founder of the salsa orchestra "La Selecta".
Raphy was the second of four siblings in his family. He and his brothers became orphans at an early age and were raised by their aunt in the Puerta de Tierra section of San Juan. Puerta de Tierra is one of Puerto Rico's toughest neighborhoods. Raphy was able to attend a private school, Colegio San Agustin, where he received his primary and secondary education.
During his childhood, he was also able to take classes at The Academy of Accordions. He participated in an accordion orchestra and was named "premier" accordanist. Raphy enrolled in the University of Puerto Rico to study Business Administration. It was during this period of his life that he debuted as a professional musician when he joined the "Combo Los Reyes". After four years in the university, Raphy earned his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and graduated with high honors.
In 1966, Raphy organized an orchestra which he named "Los Señorales". This was the first time that he assumed the role of orchestra director. Later on, he renamed the orchestra "La Banda Latina" (Latin Band).
In 1970, Raphy originated a new concept in the salsa style of music. He organized an orchestra which was to have a different "sound" and "style". He wanted to play songs which were selected because of their social message and philosophy. He also composed some of the songs of this new group which he named "La Selecta". In 1978, he discovered a young singer by the name of Tony Vega, who was to become a legend among salsa singers in his own right. Raphy and La Selecta were responsible for the introduction of salsa in many countries.
In the 1980s, Raphy became an independent producer and produced two records for Bobby Valentin Bronco Records. In the 1990s, He established his own record recording company, R.L. records. The company's first production was the album titled "Provocame" (Provoke Me), which became a "hit" in Puerto Rico, United States and South America.
In 1993, Raphy and La Selecta made their European debut in Spain. During that tour, they also held concerts in Germany, Switzerland, Italy and France.
Raphy was presented the Rafael Hernandez Golden Bust Award for his compositions "Payaso" (Clown), "Jibaro Soy" (I'm a Countryboy) and "La Cuna Blanca" (The White Crib). In 2003, Raphy and La Selecta held a concert at the Luis A. Ferre Center of Beautiful Arts in San Juan, where the group was awarded a Tu Musica Award for "Best Salsa Recording of the Year". The event was made into a T.V. special titled "Raphy Leavitt and his Selecta Orchestra: 30 years of Music History".
Raphy Leavitt and La Selecta continue to be active with musical presentations and tours.
