Danny Rivera’s Obsesión

By Josiah Omotosho

To do the same thing for 50 years and still manage to experience the joy in it is, many would agree, a great feat. It seems to be a feat that legendary Latin-American singer Danny Rivera has accomplished.

You see, upon first coming onstage at the concert Obsesión (named after Rivera’s latest album), the venerable singer didn’t simply walk into view of the 2000 odd fans present and waiting. No, that would be too simple. Instead, he danced. Salsa, mambo, fandango maybe — it wasn’t clear what style Rivera was dancing.

What was clear, though, was that this 50-year veteran of the music business was no less happy performing September 20 in the Bronx than he was when he first began recording the boleros that would make him famous. And the crowd was just as enthused as he was, what with the roar they gave him as he twirled onstage.

And, that was just the beginning of a signature performance.

During the three-hour concert, Rivera sang tunes spanning his entire career, from 80s classics to songs from his latest album. Backed up by a band of big name instrumentalists (including collaborator on Obsesión and musical director of the concert, Nelson González) and featuring guest performers like pianist Emilio Morales, Rivera gave a show like only he could.

“Wonderful,” said Angela Santos of the concert when it was finished. Santos has been to multiple Rivera concerts in the past, and this one was no less entertaining. The consummate showman, Rivera found time to engage the crowd in between and during songs, urging them to sing along with him and cracking the occasional joke. This is all part of a greater image Rivera had been able to carve for himself; that of the relatable crooner.

“I think his longevity has a lot to do with his personality,” said concertgoer Isabelle, who declined to disclose her last name. “Not just through the music, but through his interaction with the audience. He makes himself relatable.”

And not just to the middle-aged and older lovers of boleros, it seems. There was a sizable contingent of the young fans at the concert as well. To Isabelle, this was hardly surprising.

“He’s managed to keep his repertoire really fresh, decade after decade,” she said. “I started listening to Danny when I was a little girl, and even after my parents stopped listening, I kept on doing so. He’s done a good job of adjusting to the times.”

Is that, ultimately, the secret to durability of Rivera’s career? Perhaps. Or maybe it’s the unadulterated sincerity with which Rivera sings that engenders so much loyalty among his following.

“He believes what he sings,” said Santos. “He feels it. It’s genuine.”

One can’t help but assume that the legendary musician has even more years of performing left in him. The man has 54 albums under his belt. Why stop now?