Gilberto Santa Rosa to Receive Honorary Doctorate from Berklee College of Music: A Milestone in His Musical Career

“Maturity” is a word, in the opinion of the Puerto Rican singer Gilberto Santa Rosawhich many singers fear. In his case, without fear of saying it, to the highest degree and in its entirety, the nickname “Gentleman of Salsa” lives at the maturity level in which he is, in his he still likes to go on tour, discover and visit new markets and the one that people. to continue to listen to him, more than half a century after a remarkable musical career.

Even though he received many recognitions, there are surprises that still affect him, such as finding out that he would receive an important distinction from the prestigious university specialized in music, Berklee College of Music. He will be awarded an honorary doctorate for his invaluable contribution to the world of music, which will mark history by being the first Puerto Rican singer to receive it.

“It was a complete surprise because who would have thought that a salsa singer, without being a formal musician, would have that recognition from this university which, today, is one of the most important in the United States and in the world. I am very happy because I also have many friends, who are great musicians, who studied there, some of them are even teachers. Not only is pride and personal pride important, but so is commitment, because you promise more in what you do. It makes you very happy, wow, we didn’t do so badly, if these people decided to give me this recognition. So, it’s an interesting feeling,” expressed to The new day about the reasons that fill you with emotion and gratitude.

Increasing his commitment to exercise and continuing with what he has done for decades up to today, he describes as a tasty weight, which does not bother him, but, on the other hand, “keeps its neurons active.” Although he has achieved an admirable position, he recognizes that, apart from his talent, he has also achieved it thanks to people who believed in him and took their actions to push the thing impossible to achieve.

“Throughout this journey, I have always been surrounded by talented and generous people, speaking artistically, because they open the door for you, give you a chance and believe in what you and developing it with love, passion and talent. So, that also helps you recognize all those people who, graciously, along the way, have contributed to that,” He indicated while announcing that he hopes that this kind of recognition will not only inspire, but also give hope to new generations of salsa singers, who are talented and needed in the species to continue strengthening it.

On the morning of Saturday, May 11, at the 2024 graduation ceremony of the American university, the artist will receive the honorary doctorate degrees, and his family will be with him, at the Agganis Arena in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where he will be he also recognizes R&B and Hip-Hop music superstars Ledisi and Q-Tip.

“I will be with my family. It’s a very big auditorium, but I would fill it with a lot of people, who are important in my career, in my life. Some are already gone. I jokingly told my friends this weekend that it was raining so much here, I told them it was raining a lot because my mom was on top of a cloud jumping for happiness That was the first one that had to be there. My father is going to be there. I have a very special day. I see it this way, even one of the graduate students is like he is my nephew, Antonio. So that also adds to the feeling, which we are already suffering,” he said.

Being with his family throughout his life, he says, has allowed him to keep his feet firmly on the ground and continue in a healthy way in his musical work.

“This business is beautiful. This work is amazing, but it can make you dizzy. These people are the ones who keep you who you are and you feel that you are still you, despite everything that may happen to you, good or bad. They exist, good or bad. “That’s important, it’s important to move on and enjoy what you do, to work healthy,” pointed out the translator, who is preparing for the 100 years of life of the famous Puerto Rican musician Willie Rosariowith a great ceremony in the company of his colleague Tony Vega.

It has been announced that more than 200 voice students, musicians, dancers, gift givers and producers will pay tribute to the people who will receive that honorary doctorate that day. It is natural that Santa Rosa is excited and satisfied by hearing the music she sings in the voices of other singers, so she is waiting for that moment with great enthusiasm.

Last year he started his “Auténtico Tour” with which he visited different cities in the United States and this summer he is preparing to visit some places in Europe again, where does it hold an audience captive. You will not only visit important institutions, but you will be part of some festivals that will be celebrated. One of his performances will even be in A Coruña, Spain, where he will share the stage with the Dominican singer and songwriter. Juan Luis Guerraeach giving his entertainment on the same night.

“I never stop being excited or impressed when we go places. People accept me with that love. Saying ‘sold out’ means a lot to me. It’s interesting everything that happens at this stage, at this age, with these years of career, because I’m not an old man, But I started at 14, well, I started singing before, at 11. Now I see my grandson, who is 10 years old, I look at him and say, ‘ wow and to think that at that age he was with small groups, singing,” he said.

That blessing that he has had since he was a child, he hopes will continue for many more years. “As long as the blessing lasts and as long as I can do something worthy, because sometimes we want to push the car a lot and we are 100 years old, but If they’re like Willie Rosario’s 100 years, 100 years in a good position, that’s how I want to reach 100 years, in a good position, singing in a good position, and for people to say ‘oh, yes Gilberto still sings well’”he added the vocals to “Forgive Me” and “Countdown”.