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Ramón Burgos, a gifted musician native of Puerto Rico, came to Dallas in the early 1990s bringing more than 30 years of experience in Afro-Latin music. His talents in the bass, trumpet and arranging helped him get established in the area after a career in the U.S. Army. He worked with Conjunto Boricua, Conjunto Kafé, the Enchilada’s Restaurant house band, several tejano bands, and The Havana Boys, before founding his own B.B.Band in 1997. His contribution to the development of Afro-Latin music was key in expanding a fledging market into the thriving scene it is today, and earned him the respect of fellow musicians in the Dallas Metroplex. In an effort to unite area musicians, Ramón was a driving force in the founding of the Afro-Latino Musicians Association. His dream of a united body of artists working together and sharing resources did not come true, but his spirit of cooperation and service to others shall remain with us forever. So shall live also his wishes that our beloved Afro-Latin music and culture would continue to be presented in the most professional manner. Ramón fell ill around January 11, 2001, victim of Meningitis and other complications. He finally left us in the early hours of February 8. His soul received a musician's Rosary on Sunday, February 11, and his body was interred on Monday, February 12 at the DFW National Cemetery after a musician's Mass. Two weeks later, on Sunday, February 25, his colleagues came together for Ramon's Rumba -- a benefit to raise funds for Ramon's funeral fund and to celebrate his life. Paying tribute on stage were Criollisimo, The Havana Boys, Latin Fire, The Scott Howard Band, Soul Caribe, Tropical Sound and Ramon's own, Orquesta B.B.Band. Ramon's colleagues in the music craft will sorely miss him forever, as will his family—Grissel, Melissa and Fifo. He will be remembered for his solid friendship to all, an intrepid sense of humor and his easy-going demeanor. “Descansa
en paz, Moncho
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