Dominican-born Joseph Portes aka El Gato del Merengue (Merengue's Cat) started attending singing classes after his family settled in NYC. Captivated by tropical music and dreaming about becoming a popular Latin singer, the young artist joined Primitivo Santos' orchestra before going solo. With "Agua de Beber," "Me Siento Prendío," and a merengue version of Juan Gabriel's "No Me Vuelvo A Enamorar," Joseph Portes accomplished his major goal. In 1998 his perseverance and talent led him to achieve the ACE's Outstanding Local Artist Award. ~ Drago Bonacich