Wilfrido Vargas

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Vargas and the second or maternal family name is Martínez.
Wilfrido Vargas
Wilfrido Vargas in 2008
Wilfrido Vargas in 2008
Background information
Birth nameWilfrido Radamés Vargas Martínez
Born (1949-04-24) April 24, 1949 (age 75)
Altamira, Dominican
GenresMerengue
Occupation(s)Singer, musician, songwriter, composer, arranger, trumpeter, actor
Instrument(s)Vocals, Trumpet
Years active1972–present
LabelsKaren, Sonotone, Rodven, RCA Intl, Sony BMG

Wilfrido Radamés Vargas Martínez[1] (Spanish pronunciation: [wilˈfɾiðo ˈβaɾɣas]; born April 24, 1949, in Altamira, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic) is a band leader, trumpeter, vocalist, arranger, composer and producer who was instrumental in making the merengue style a worldwide phenomenon.[2]

He was surrounded by musical influences; namely, his father Ramón, an accordionist and guitarist, and his mother Bienvenida, a flute player and guitarist.[3] Vargas began his musical studies early, attending the Municipal Academy of Music beginning at age 10.[4]

He has been a trumpeter and a vocalist,[5] but has also arranged, composed, and led his band, and is also a producer.[4]

  1. ^ Billboard. "Wilfrido Vargas". Retrieved September 11, 2010.
  2. ^ eldiario.ec. "Wilfrido Vargas llega a la fiesta del merengue" (in Spanish). Retrieved September 11, 2010.
  3. ^ Batanga Media Networks. "Wilfrido Vargas Biografía" (in Spanish). Retrieved September 13, 2010.
  4. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference billboard was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Aol Music. "Wilfrido Vargas Biography". Retrieved September 11, 2010.