El Gran

René José Humphries Stephens (aka René Grand) was born July 22, 1935, on the island of San Andrés, Colombia. For over 45 years, he worked persistently to build his career as a pianist and musical director, leading his renowned Rene Grand and His Combo New York.

Under René’s leadership, Combo New York regularly performed at some of the most prominent Latin clubs in New York City. René took great pride in composing his own songs and he considered his two LPs for Seeco Records – El Gran and Exciting and Grand – to be his greatest accomplishment. The productions, which were released in 1966 and ’67 became instant hits throughout the Americas and the Caribbean due to the popularity of songs like ‘Cool’, ‘Go Go Mambo’ and ‘Sigue La Gente’ (all from El Gran).

In addition to his accomplishments as a former priest, teacher and musician, René Grand worked as a civil servant for the City of New York for over 24 years, retiring in 1991. He was an extraordinary human being and a pillar in his community of the Lower East Side.

TRACK LIST LP

SIDE A

1. Ahora, No Pare
2. Chacho 
3. Merengue Cachita 
4. Capullito De Aleli 
5. Sabroson 
6. Siga La Gente

SIDE B

1. Go-Go Mambo
2. Cool 
3. Tengo Que Acostumbrarme 
4. Nardos Andaluces 
5. Carmen
6. Going Cha-Cha