American conga player, drummer, percussionist, bandleader, composer and producer. Father of Ray Barretto Jnr. Member of Tito Puente's orchestra from 1957 to 1960, he formed his own orchestra in 1961. Highly demanded session musician for labels like Prestige, Blue Note, Riverside and Columbia and member of Fania All Stars.
Inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
Born 29 April 1929 in New York City, New York
Died 17 February 2006 in Hackensack, New Jersey.
