Miguel Amadeo
Miguel Ángel Amadeo, known as "Mike" Amadeo, is a distinguished Puerto Rican musician, composer, and music store owner. Born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, he is the son of composer Alberto "Titi" Amadeo, who performed with Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz. Amadeo moved to New York in 1947 at the age of 13. He is the owner of Casa Amadeo, the oldest continuously-occupied Latin music store in New York City, located in the Bronx. Originally founded as Casa Hernández in 1941, Amadeo purchased and renamed the store in 1969.
A prolific composer, Amadeo has written nearly 300 songs, with performances by renowned artists such as Celia Cruz and Danny Rivera. He contributed significantly to El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, including his famous song "Que Me Lo Den en Vida." Amadeo has been associated with Alegre Records and collaborated with notable Nuyorican musicians like Johnny Pacheco and Ray Barretto. Recognized as a community historian, he has been honored by the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and the Bronx Council on the Arts, among others.