TONY ROJAS THE TNT BAND . 45 RPM (FUENTES 45 - LP COTIQUE DYNAMITE CS 1011)

A- BORINQUEN BELLA

B- DESCARGA TNT

TNT BANND

Tony(TNT) Rojas was born Jose A. Rojas-Miranda on January 07,1941 in Santurce Puerto Rico,a District of San Juan, to Juan Rojas and Franchesca Miranda.During his early years,Tony's parents paid 25 cents for their two young children (Tony and younger sister,Nury)to enroll in private academy instruction by Maria Luz Peliche from 9 a.m-12 p.m.It was at this time that Tony and his sister were exposed to the world of music. As Tony entered elementary school at Tomas Carrion Maduro,he continued to explore his Musical talents by singing in choir and other school functions.Tony was immersed in music at home as well.His mother frequently listened to an amateur radio show called "Quinones Vidar",which was very popular in San Juan during the 1940's.She and Tony would sing along with the amateur performers and musicians that later became famous artists such as Bobby Capo,Bury Caban,Jose Antonio Salaman,Fernandito from Trio Los Vegabajenos,Ramito the legendario and even Tony's favorite first cousin on his father's side, Felipe Rodriguez "La Voz" Thus, Tony's musical roots run deep. At the age of 7 years,Tony's family moved to New York Ciy,NY for a better life-to live the American Dream.Tony grew up on the East Side of Manhattan by 117 th street on 1st Avenue & Paladino avenue,which was considered an Italian neighborhood.After graduating from 5th grade,his parent moved to Spanish Harlem to 104 th street on lexingtonand and Park ave.While at Patrick Henry Junior High School, Tony enrolled in music and vocal classes to better developed his singing abilities.During his late adolescence at Metropolitan High School,Tony's parents gave birth to two more children,Miki and Johnny.As a result,the family the family of four became a family of 6 and the 1950's proved to be a time of financial crisis for the Rojas family.Therefore,Tony was force to leave High School prematurely during his junior year to support the growing family. Tony worked a number of jobs to help pay for food and rent.Of greatest use to Tony was his employment at a factory in which he served as a material cutter.Tony learn to become a professional material cutter and stayed loyally with the company until it closed. It was during this time that Tony met a skinny young man named Tito Ramos.After a few arguments related to incorrect directions and an exchange of some strong words,Tito and Tony became the best of friends.Tony shared his musical experiences with Tito,which included playing the cowbell,guiro,claves,using Spanish lyrics and developing the Ritmo Hispano. Tito facilitated Tony's career by intrducing him to Johnny Colon. Johnny Colon would pass by Tony's apartment building every day on his way home and smile at this man who would always play music,sing,and play his bell in hisfront window . Unbeknownst to Johnny,this man was Tony Rojas.

At the time,Johnny Colon was rising star and was in the process of forming his own group. Tito became part of Johnny's group and invited Tony to watch a rehearsal.Initially,Johnny Colon was opposed to this intrusion;however,as Tony frequented the rehearsals,Johnnny was more tolerant. After Johnny Colon's orchestra was established,there became a need for someone to sing backup. Tito immediatly volunteered Tony because no one else could "sing like Tony!" Although Johnny was hesitant, he hired Tony for the evening. The show was a success and that night a band was born. Tony played with the Johnny Colon Orchestra from 1964-1967and recorded two albums-BoogalooBlues (1966) and Bogaloo '67 (1967) At the end of the year,Tito left the band to work with Joe Bataan and recorded an album called "Subway Joe" Tony also left the band in the summer of 1967 and started th (" T N T= Dynamite ").Thus, the famous T N T Band was formed. Works completd by the TNT Band included T N T = Dynamite (1968 ) ,Mission Accomplished ( 1968 ) The Meditation (1969), TNT Boys :Sex Symbols (1969)T N T Orcherstra:Together ( 1977), and Caliente (1998). Works by Tony Rojas Orchestra include introducing Tony Rojas (1970) and El Chino Divino (1971) Founded by George Goldner in 1965, this Latin label was started to capitalize on the new sound of Boogaloo, but really ending up being much more. Coming straight out of El Barrio and the streets of New York City, these records came out strong as the new sound. It’s true the sound was around since the 50’s, then known as guajira. One would have to say that the sound was updated to modern times and then added English lyrics to them. Initially, they at Cotique were very liberal in their subject manner, with liner notes and song subjects that referenced LSD, pot, and other illegal substances, all to the Boogaloo rhythm. Cotique was trying to draw these young kids in. You see, Goldner and the new Cotique family were the only label showcasing the young talents of the time. Other labels stuck with older artists and dismissed Boogaloo as a passing fad. Maybe it actually was, as poor business moves would eventually cripple the label, and the older Latin labels would put out better quality Boogaloo records. Despite all that, Cotique remained a sort of Blue Note of Latin labels, keeping things fresh and putting out some good records, even if it was only from 1968-1970. Like I said earlier, bad business practices would contribute to the downfall of the label and the eventual graduation to Disco. There are quite a few good sides, and I believe this is one of them. .... The TnT Band was comprised of Tito Ramos and Tony Rojas. Vocalists in their own right, Rojas was associated with the Johnny Colon Orchestra and sang on the 1967 hit “Boogaloo Blues”. This infusion of Latin rhythms, some American R & B, and the simple fact that these young musicians wanted a sound of their own fueled them to put out records as TnT Band. The song itself slowly builds up to a mid tempo piece of Latin HEAT, drawing equal influences from songs like Archie Bell and the Drells “Tighten Up”, and any James Brown dance floor cut for sure. Cries for a Drum Call!! followed by a really nice drum break prove that point. These guys were doing their own thang in a Latin style, and you know what? It worked. It may not have worked for a long period of time record sale wise, but records like “The Meditation” stand the test of time for sure. All in all they would release 3 full lengths before disbanding, and put out hits like “Mr. Slick”, “Borinquen Bella,” Sabre Olvidar,” and of course this burner. Don’t sleep on this side people, you’ll be sorry you did! Keep Diggin!

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