Colombian-Canadian Joe Armando brought Latin music to Canada with Expo ’67

Joé Armando, was an award-winning master percussionist, a trailblazer, and a pioneer in the Latin music scene of Canada, whose influence would resonate far beyond the borders of his adopted city of Montréal. Revered as “Montréal’s Tito Puente,” José Armando Torres became a towering figure in the world of Latin music and jazz, leaving a lasting mark on the city’s cultural landscape. Perhaps his most important title though, was as father to Blankita and Josito.

His daughter Blanca “Blankita Styles” Torres says, “It’s an amazing honor to have had him as a father but to have also known him as a person and to have seen the impact that he created on the musical community but as well with his friends and family.

“So you know he was more than a father, he was my best friend.”

Arriving in Montréal in 1967, Armando went on to shape the Latin American music scene in the city, becoming a central figure in its vibrant entertainment venues. His extraordinary journey began in Bogotá, Colombia, where he was born. Music was always a part of his life, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already immersed in the rhythms and sounds that would define his career. According to his daughter Blankita, he was self-taught; and never underwent any formal music training.

A pivotal moment came at the age of fourteen when a friend introduced him to Tito Puente’s iconic Puente in Percussion album. The album, a collaboration of legends like Puente, Mongo Santamaría, and Carlos “Patato” Valdés, sparked a fire within him. Tito Puente would become not only his idol but his inspiration for a lifetime of musical exploration and innovation.

Armando’s path to prominence began in Bogotá’s vibrant music scene, where he performed alongside Colombian musical giants like Lucho Bermúdez and Pacho Galán. His group, Joé Armando y su Sabor, began to make waves in the early 1960s. Expo 67, a major cultural event in Montréal, marked his first international performance, and it would set the stage for the remarkable career that followed.

Armando’s time in Montréal began with Orquesta Colombia Cumbia, where his infectious timbales and unique style captured the hearts of audiences. Café Tropicana offered the band a six-month contract, marking the beginning of a long and successful relationship with the city’s Latin music scene. From there, doors opened not just in Montréal but across North America, with tours taking him to the Caribbean, Las Vegas, and even Cuba. Yet, despite the lure of international success, Montréal remained his home base.

Throughout his career, Armando’s passion for music was evident not just in his performances but in the depth of his collaborations. He shared the stage with legends like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Michel Séguin, and even reunited with his idol Tito Puente on multiple occasions. As a mentor and educator, Armando’s influence extended beyond the stage, inspiring new generations of musicians at institutions like McGill and Concordia universities.

Armando’s son Joe “Joito” Torres, says “I was exposed to all these master musicians.

“My dad being a master he was surrounded by masters you know.

“So it was just like giving an opportunity on a golden platter for me like I didn’t deserve it you know but he’s like take it, it’s yours.”

For Armando, music was more than just a career; it was his lifeblood. He once said that passion was the key to any artist’s success, and it was clear that his soul was nourished by music, poetry, and love. His work, his contributions, and his indelible impact on Latin jazz are a testament to the power of passion and dedication. And though he may no longer be with us, his legacy endures in the rhythms he left behind, forever etched in the heart of Montréal and the world of Latin music.