Tumbando Puertas: The Santiago Cerón Story

Meet Santiago Cerón, the Dominican sonero whose powerful voice and timeless style brought Afro-Caribbean rhythms to life and helped define salsa across generations.

By CUNY Dominican Studies Institute

Jhensen Ortiz, CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Librarian

Homenaje al Son y a Nuestro Santiago Cerón (2025-07-13) by CUNY Dominican Studies InstituteCUNY Dominican Studies Institute

Who is Santiago Cerón?

Santiago Cerón (1940-2011) was a Dominican salsa and son singer, musician, and composer, recognized internationally for his exceptional voice and contributions to Latin music. Known affectionately as “El Sonero de las Antillas” and “Mr. Cool."

Rising Star of Dominican Music - Santiago Ceron (1964) by Ahora MagazineCUNY Dominican Studies Institute

Early inspirations

Santiago Cerón’s musical gift showed early on, singing at family gatherings and local events. A Bellas Artes graduate, he began at La Voz Dominicana. At 22, he moved to New York City, where his path as a singer entered a transformative new phase.

From Santo Domingo to the Salsa Scene of New York (1972-07-03) by Ahora MagazineCUNY Dominican Studies Institute

Finding his sound in New York

Santiago Cerón’s voice impressed Arsenio Rodríguez, the blind Afro-Cuban tres player who introduced him to son montuno, shifting him from bolero to son. In the 1970s, Cerón led his own orchestra, leaving a mark on New York’s Latin music scene.

Tumbando Puertas (2025-07-21) by CUNY Dominican Studies Institute LibraryCUNY Dominican Studies Institute

Breakthrough and recognition

Santiago Cerón’s big break came in 1980 with Tumbando Puertas, produced by Mary Lou Records and directed by Luis “Perico” Ortiz. Featuring hits like “Lobatón” and “Baja y Tapa La Olla,” the album cemented his place in the salsa scene.

A Legendary Gathering of Latin Music Stars (1980) by UnknownCUNY Dominican Studies Institute

Memorable performances

Santiago Cerón's growing popularity in the 1980s led to many televised performances that showcased his charisma and vocal strength.

Cerón and Pacheco perform “Lobatón” (1983)

Santiago Cerón with Johnny Pacheco on the program El Gordo De La Semana in the Dominican Republic performing the hit "Lobatón."

“Baja y Tapa la Olla” live on Teleantillas

Performing a dynamic version of “Baja y Tapa la Olla” with Johnny Ventura on Fiesta, a popular variety show aired on Teleantillas in the Dominican Republic (1980s)

Santiago Cerón Way, CUNY Dominican Studies Institute, 2025-07-13, From the collection of: CUNY Dominican Studies Institute

Show lessRead more

Santiago Cerón passed away in New York City on May 10, 2011. He died at the age of 70 from complications following heart surgery. On November 16, 2018, New York City honored Santiago Cerón’s remarkable career by co-naming the northeast corner of Sickles Street and Sherman Avenue in Washington Heights as "Santiago Cerón Way," thanks to the efforts of then Council Member Ydanis Rodríguez, making him the first Dominican artist to receive such recognition.

“Son Pa’ Cerón” – A 2018 tribute song

Tribute song “Son Pa’ Cerón” by Manny Kassu, produced by Eddy Coradin in 2018.

Credits: All media

The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

CUNY Dominican Studies Institute

Stories from CUNY Dominican Studies Institute

Online Exhibit