José Alberto “El Canario” is a Dominican salsa superstar. He has an international career with over 35 albums behind him and has played with many of the legends of salsa. He has been recognized with two Latin Grammy’s and a Grammy nomination.
SUMMERSTAGE
José Alberto “El Canario” sings Dominican-Puerto Rican salsa at the Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn on Sunday, August 20, 2023 from 5-9pm (4pm doors). FREE. 🇩🇴
José Alberto “El Canario”
José Alberto Justiniano was born in Villa Consuelo in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on December 22, 1958. The neighborhood is up the hill from Santo Domingo’s colonial zone.
Alberto got his nickname (the canary) for his excellent whistling. When whistling he charms audiences by pretending to play the flute. Whistling happens to be characteristic of Dominican culture. A lot of communication on Dominican streets is done through whistling because it cuts through the noise of the conchos (taxis) and motos (motorcycle taxis).
His family moved to Puerto Rico when he was seven. Alberto moved to New York City in the 1970s where he rose to prominence as the singer of Típica 73 in 1977.
Alberto went solo in 1983. In 1984, his debut album “Noches Calientes” made him a star. His 1991 album “Dance With Me” placed him in the the salsa romántica movement that was popular at the time.
Awards
“Original” earned a “Best Salsa Album” Latin Grammy nomination in 2011.
“A Mí Qué – Tributo a los Clásicos Cubanos” won a Latin Grammy for “Best Traditional Tropical Album” in 2000.
“Tributo a Los Compadres: No Quiero Llanto” won a Latin Grammy for “Best Traditional Tropical Album” and a Grammy nomination for “Best Tropical Latin Album” in 2016.
Follow him on Instagram @josealbertoelcanario