He was the first of five children born to Luis and Margarita Rivera.
Preceded in death by his wife Maria and many siblings, Ismael is survived by his loving children; son Ismael and his wife Irma and daughter Vilma Ferreira and her husband Ruben Ferreira, 1 brother, 4 sisters, 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Both Cortijo and Ismael had relocated to New York where the talk regarding the ’62 drug scandal was less intense. At a young age, Rivera was exposed to the influences that would set him on his musical destiny.
Rivera married Virginia Fuente in 1951. Soon thereafter Rivera departed with his wife and child for Puerto Rico. Minutes later, they watched from across the street as their home on Salem Street burned. Cortijo's Combo continued to gain fame and so did Rivera's reputation as a lead singer. She called him, and he called 911.
Ismael Rivera in a photo the day of his release from prison; dedicated to Sorolo.
After living in Puerto Rico under the names of Mr. and Mrs. Ismael Monte from April through June 1973, they returned to New York City.
He also had relationships with other women like Gladis Serrano, who was the wife of Daniel Santos.
9 Rivera and Frank Torres 10 were arrested on September …
Ismael re-joined Cortijo and they released two albums.
Ismael Rivera - El Nazareno Rivera was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, a sector of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ismael Rivera went to be with the Lord December 31, 2018 at the age of 90 yrs old. Rivera was named sonero mayor by Cuban producer Ángel Maceda, owner of club Bronx Casino in New York; this is based in an interview done with Ismael. One year ago Friday, Ismael Rivera’s wife heard a clicking sound coming from their stove. There he was instilled with the sounds and rhythms of Puerto Rico: the bomba and plena.
Rivera had five children: Ismael, Jr., Carlos, Margarita, Caridad, and Orquídea. Ismael Rivera (El Sonero Mayor "Maelo") was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, on October 5, 1931.It all started on the very same street Rivera was born and raised on: Calle Calma. Once he completed doing time, he went back to his career and back to drugs. “I screamed at them to get out of the house,” he remembered.