Dominican Joseito Mateo (born José Tamares Mateo) became "El Rey del Merengue" (merengue's king) after he successfully performed live the national music from his native land, a style developed in the mid-19th century as a folk dance before being considered as a major tropical style. In Cuba, Alberto Beltran introduced him to La Sonora Matancera, among other local bands and artists. In addition, Joseito Mateo became the first leading vocalist in a band called El Gran Combo, making their debut in 1962 with the release of Meneame los Mangos. ~ Drago Bonacich, Rovi