It's been a while since I have written but this particular album has sparked my interest in the great Manuel Martinez. Manuel who came to NYC via the Mariel exodus, was and is probably the most overlooked, underrated and under-appreciated rumberos to hit these shores. Pedrito and Roman dedicate a track on their latest project to Manuel, aptly titled, "El Monumento". But this leads me to a specific question, what is going on with "El Llanero"? Is he still in the Bronx? How is his health? I hate to ask, but is he even still alive?
Can anyone drop some intel as to his whereabouts, and what he has been up to? Unfortunately the last pic I saw of Manuel had him laying up in some kind of resthome, but that's the last thing I've seen. Can anyone shed some light?
Can anyone drop some intel as to his whereabouts, and what he has been up to? Unfortunately the last pic I saw of Manuel had him laying up in some kind of resthome, but that's the last thing I've seen. Can anyone shed some light?
2 comments:
Manuel Martinez Olivera "El Llanero" has been for several years trapped in a Bronx seniors mental hospital, the "Workmen’s Circle Multicare Center" located at 3155 Grace Ave. Bronx NY 10469
718-379-8100. He has been terribly abandoned by the rumba community and those who benefited from his teachings. Take subway # 5 to the bronx, and get off two stops before the end of the line. Also, thank you for the comments on The Routes of Rumba CD. Berta Jottar
Berta,
Thank you for the information that you provided. I am glad to hear that at least he is not gone. Hopefully Manuel's condition will only get better.
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