Often overlooked today, Norosbaldo Morales Sanabria, better known as Noro Morales was a seminal figures in the Latin Music scene of the 1940’s and 50’s in New York city. His Orchestra even rivaled Machito’s in popularity and Morales was even invited to perform in downtown Manhattan at a time when it was closed to Latino Musicians. His story starts in the Puerta de Tierra section of San Juan, Puerto Rico on January 4, 1912.  Noro learned several musical instruments as a child. The Morales family was a musical one; his father, Louis, played violin; brothers Ismael/Esy, Humberto, Jose/Pepito and Louis as well as sister, Alicia, all played instruments. In 1924, Louis was invited to Venezuela to work as the musical director of the presidential orchestra. He accepted the job and the family relocated there for 6 years. Sadly, months after their arrival, Louis died. At just 13 years old, Noro took over directing the orchestra. In 1930, the family moved back to Puerto Rico And Noro worked with Rafael Muñoz. 1935, brought changes to his life again, as he relocated to New York, getting work with Alberto Socarras, Augusto Cohen and Johnny Rodriguez (Tito Rodriguez’s older brother). Morales started an orchestra with his brothers Humberto and Esy in 1939. 1942’s ‘Serenata Ritmica’ was a smash hit and catapulted Morales to fame. He was soon invited to perform in downtown Manhattan and even the Daily New’s Harvest Moon Ball; he was quickly becoming mainstream! Noro’s Orchestra even rivaled Machito’s in popularity.  The changes tides of Latin Music caused Noro to return to Puerto Rico in 1960 where he played a hotel for the last 3 years of his life, Sadly, Noro suffered from alcoholism and a family history of diabetes, that he and his brothers all suffered from. Noro joined the ancestors on January 15, 1964. He was just 53 years old. You’ll learn all about this and much more in this week’s episode  

Facebook and Instagram: @voiceofthewaterlily

Blog: voiceofthelily.water.blog.