:Draft:Calixto Ferrer Pérez

Calixto Ferrer Pérez (02 February 1952), known professionally as Carlos “El Grande” Ferrer, is a Panamanian salsa singer, best known for his recordings with Jose Mangual Jr., La Salsa Mayor,{{Cite web |last=Aguilar |first=Pedro |date=2015-02-20 |title=La Salsa Mayor de Venezuela |url=https://costaricasalsa.com/la-salsa-mayor-de-venezuela/ |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=costaricasalsa.com |language=es}} Ray Barretto, Louis Ramirez and more.

In 1970, Ferrer began his artistic career in Panamá after being discovered at Gimnasio Club de Leones Marañon. Overhearing Ferrer sing, a fellow boxer suggested he compete in a popular Radio Mia's{{Cite web |last=www.fdrcomunicaciones.com |title=RADIO MIA PANAMÁ {{!}} Tu radio Nacional |url=https://www.radiomiapanama.com/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240528205302/http://www.radiomiapanama.com/ |archive-date=2024-05-28 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=www.radiomiapanama.com}} program and came in second. Shortly after, he enrolled in Instituto Nacional de Música de Panamá{{Cite web |title=INAM |url=https://inampanama.wixsite.com/website |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Inam |language=es}} by suggestion of boxer Gilberto "El Puma" Herazo,{{Cite web |title=• Gilberto Herazo boxer • |url=https://boxerlist.com/en/boxer/gilberto-herazo/76172 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=boxerlist.com}} where he attended for two years.

Ferrer returned to Radio Mia's singing competition in 1971 and won. His competition included boxers Roberto "Mano de Piedra" Duran and Herazo. Herazo gave Ferrer his stage name, "El Grande."

Shortly after, he was discovered by the band Los Babys, who recorded his first 45 RPM, "En Tus Brazos Morena," where the producer criticized Ferrer's vocals. Unfortunately, the band shortly dissolved, without printing any of the records Ferrer sang on. After becoming part of a new band, Los Enterprises, the band's saxophonist, Alexis Batista,{{Cite web |title=Alexis Batista |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/5071037-Alexis-Batista |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Discogs |language=en}} took him to also be part of La Orquesta de la Fuerza Aérea Nacional de Panamá.

The members of the dissolved band Los Babys reunited to create a new group, Los Excelentes,{{Cite web |title=Los Excelentes |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/2754811-Los-Excelentes |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Discogs |language=en}} with the label Tamayo Records.{{Cite web |date=2022-02-01 |title=Tamayo Records |url=https://www.tamayorecords.com/ |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=es}} After their lead singer left, Ferrer became principal singer and recorded his second 42 RPM, "Se Que Partiras"{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHdo6I6mbo0 |title=Los Excelentes canta Carlos El Grande - Se que partirás |date=2020-08-14 |last=Dj. NuN Radio |access-date=2025-04-17 |via=YouTube}} and rerecording "En Tus Brazos Morena."{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNE8OukEABI |title=Los Excelentes - En tus brazos morena |date=2018-09-18 |last=El Canal de Panamá |access-date=2025-04-17 |via=YouTube}} The song, "Se Que Partiras," became a national hit. Los Excelentes continued to produce hits with "Noches Felices"{{Citation |title=Carlos "El Grande" Ferrer, Los Excelentes - Noches Felices / Having My Baby |date=2021-05-25 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/10181837-Carlos-El-Grande-Ferrer-Los-Excelentes-Noches-Felices-Having-My-Baby?srsltid=AfmBOoqtNuik7GyMK8dvL7vlD9PlHDwRMzO79LlsQnMpC_MqxCcTAcWI |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}} and "Te Espero."{{Citation |title=Carlos El Grande, Los Excelentes - Te Espero |date=2023-02-01 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/8574005-Carlos-El-Grande-Los-Excelentes-Te-Espero?srsltid=AfmBOopc38OfDAYv_CMc7GRdjdUe_yKybeq5jV7Sduzoa1XSlJ_HSIBr |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}} Due to various difficulties, Carlos decided to leave the group.

In 1975, Ferrer joined Los Mozambiques{{Cite web |title=Los Mozambiques |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/479130-Los-Mozambiques?srsltid=AfmBOop_aaRa2z76-CsSaESuX3yO8yqELm5ajCspurIVtS4ljrgpQ5nd |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Discogs |language=en}} as a vocalist and recorded "Por El Amor de una Mujer,"{{Citation |title=Los Mozambiques De Oscar De Leon - Llano Abajo / Por El Amor De Una Mujer |date=2024-07-10 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/12340104-Los-Mozambiques-De-Oscar-De-Leon-Llano-Abajo-Por-El-Amor-De-Una-Mujer?srsltid=AfmBOoppSGTx5Rz3BTH1LEdBP0P8n7uU7WKxv9p-USid6c5so0SMuypd |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}} "Cocorollo," "Lo Que Te Voy A Decir,"{{Citation |title=Los Mozambiques - Hombe Je / Lo Que Te Voy A Decir |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/9016281-Los-Mozambiques-Hombe-Je-Lo-Que-Te-Voy-A-Decir?srsltid=AfmBOopWEuhBi-oo_C1Vrq_707-pl5-g9A-MEGNadW5T5KTe8svLfpTD |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}} and "Hombre Je."{{Citation |title=Los Mozambiques - Hombe Je / Lo Que Te Voy A Decir |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/9016281-Los-Mozambiques-Hombe-Je-Lo-Que-Te-Voy-A-Decir?srsltid=AfmBOopWEuhBi-oo_C1Vrq_707-pl5-g9A-MEGNadW5T5KTe8svLfpTD |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}} After departing the group, he joined Freddy y Sus 7 Potencias and returned to Los Excelentes. Ferrer went on to record songs such as "Rosaura,"{{Citation |title=Los Excelentes - Recuerdos De Ti / Rosaura |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/1648248-Los-Excelentes-Recuerdos-De-Ti-Rosaura?srsltid=AfmBOooEFXN0gpmQirCXmozjIojIlMK45O3xcU42qZLSGs_uZ3Os0X-S |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}} "Entre Palmeras,"{{Citation |title=Los Excelentes - Sonerito / Entre Palmeras |date=2017-08-29 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/3618555-Los-Excelentes-Sonerito-Entre-Palmeras?srsltid=AfmBOooWcmmRsAkmFFDVgZy2UoooO_rsAsEnBHIDIARS6IQp4TOcCPhU |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}} "Tamborito Calypso,"{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl9mOC7sHq0 |title=CARLOS EL GRANDE CON LOS EXCELENTES - TAMBORITO CALYPSO |date=2010-02-05 |last=Eloy Nuñez |access-date=2025-04-17 |via=YouTube}} "Sonerito,"{{Citation |title=Los Excelentes - Sonerito / Entre Palmeras |date=2017-08-29 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/3618555-Los-Excelentes-Sonerito-Entre-Palmeras?srsltid=AfmBOooWcmmRsAkmFFDVgZy2UoooO_rsAsEnBHIDIARS6IQp4TOcCPhU |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}} and more.

In 1976, Ferrer alternated between Los Excelentes and Oscar D'Leon Y Su Orquesta{{Cite web |title=Oscar D'Leon Y Su Orquesta |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/1996336-Oscar-DLeon-Y-Su-Orquesta?srsltid=AfmBOooTpr0gf6PLCBk58o1r-Y7BGGfPGmXFcM7SLsDRp1ar2hKFT3hu |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Discogs |language=en}} in Panamá. While working with D'Leon, he proposed a visit to Venezuela, where Ferrer agreed to join La Salsa Mayor.{{Cite web |last=Aguilar |first=Pedro |date=2015-02-20 |title=La Salsa Mayor de Venezuela |url=https://costaricasalsa.com/la-salsa-mayor-de-venezuela/ |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=costaricasalsa.com |language=es}} Ferrer was unable to perform for a year due to contract obligations. Shortly after, D'Leon left La Salsa Mayor, but in 1978, Ferrer finally released "Fuimos Amigos"{{Citation |title=La Salsa Mayor - Fuimos Amigos |date=1978 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/8182666-La-Salsa-Mayor-Fuimos-Amigos?srsltid=AfmBOoo17R0nGoFqGbTrq0DPx-nDXPNTXMPL4gSsvUYhGxp8XSyhCTDf |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}} with the band. He went on to record the LP "Fuerte y Caliente"{{Citation |title=La Salsa Mayor - Strong & Hot... Fuerte Y Caliente |date=1980 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/6019414-La-Salsa-Mayor-Strong-Hot-Fuerte-Y-Caliente?srsltid=AfmBOoozyMQkICDBvgfTFcGgQury8XBnzWBu3amGC4NrMCaRCBqneV02 |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}} in 1979.

In 1981, he sang with Jose Mangual Jr. Y Su Orquesta{{Cite web |title=José Mangual Jr. Y Su Orquesta |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/2745189-Jos%C3%A9-Mangual-Jr-Y-Su-Orquesta?srsltid=AfmBOooCGo9rw-NzEocrz_TvXPcqXgUCpNEQN2NU6q2ho8cO3O9FYMGT |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Discogs |language=en}} on "Sonero Con Clase,"{{Citation |title=Carlos El Grande Con José Mangual Jr. Y Su Orquesta - Sonero Con Clase |date=1982 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/5825909-Carlos-El-Grande-Con-Jos%C3%A9-Mangual-Jr-Y-Su-Orquesta-Sonero-Con-Clase?srsltid=AfmBOoqiKkYasoiFBnHqxTLPAG5XfKpYPGQU28XRNXcPDcrsowXNwZEM |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}} in 1982 Ferrer recorded with Nati Y Su Charanga,{{Cite web |title=Nati Y Su Charanga |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/3346762-Nati-Y-Su-Charanga |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Discogs |language=en}} recording on the album "A Base De Salsa."{{Citation |title=Nati Y Su Charanga - A Base De Salsa |date=1998 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/18870613-Nati-Y-Su-Charanga-A-Base-De-Salsa?srsltid=AfmBOorRj38zlhWIBNpRs_UhcN_XViM5qdpQAb9XQO85GzQahtfgK_3C |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}} In 1983, Ferrer released "Lo Que Traigo es Salsa"{{Citation |title=José Mangual Jr. Y Su Orquesta Con Carlos El Grande - Lo Que Traigo Es Salsa |date=1983 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/10191500-Jos%C3%A9-Mangual-Jr-Y-Su-Orquesta-Con-Carlos-El-Grande-Lo-Que-Traigo-Es-Salsa?srsltid=AfmBOoo24VUugFL3wmI36QYmL7_-MmUXH9M2haecSbQd068Jw6NBpqoN |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}} with Jose Mangual Jr., and in 1987 he completed vocals for Alfredo Valdes Jr. Y Su Conjunto Fuego's "A Cataño."{{Citation |title=Alfredo Valdes Jr. Y Su Conjunto Fuego - A Cataño |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/815617-Alfredo-Valdes-Jr-Y-Su-Conjunto-Fuego-A-Cata%C3%B1o?srsltid=AfmBOor1YPxlu7RVlieQ71HWImv6apmk-Ud0zydPj8PBhiYUtF20c7Z6 |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Alfredo Valdés Jr. {{!}} Artist {{!}} LatinGRAMMY.com |url=https://www.latingrammy.com/en/artists/alfredo-valdes-jr-/23088-01 |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=www.latingrammy.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Alfredo Valdés Jr. |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/3054348-Alfredo-Vald%C3%A9s-Jr?srsltid=AfmBOoop6maKXvi120pJB9Bb85XxOAaptdiYGavDNW4r55AHnm2FaKOM |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Discogs |language=en}}

In 1987, Ferrer sang on Ray Barreto's Aqui Se Puede{{Citation |title=Ray Barretto - Aqui Se Puede |date=1987 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/2923800-Ray-Barretto-Aqui-Se-Puede?srsltid=AfmBOoqnC-uG5l1cYTF8sARqm3uo2fEa6-xfgpba5vV9-l7SxhhCkvaw |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}} and in 1989 he recorded with Louie Ramirez on El Genio.{{Citation |title=Louie Ramirez - El Genio |date=1989 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/3549040-Louie-Ramirez-El-Genio?srsltid=AfmBOorxaDF6FTUTI5NvfT3bFjU1WOxoJa8oZtdtwGxPVGmXVqAcqUbp |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}} Ferrer then recorded main vocals on Papo Pepin's{{Cite web |title=Papo Pepin |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/1239775-Papo-Pepin?srsltid=AfmBOorCbJtfVrAmcWWnHAlnmn03edHrnaAh79cJrXCJ8y4DsETPuoj_ |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Discogs |language=en}} on Al Natural.{{Citation |title=Papo Pepin - Al Natural |date=2003 |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/1749311-Papo-Pepin-Al-Natural?srsltid=AfmBOopxzO1KFtybV0hIDDoli8L0Y4rFdRBvzazP7sJg4CsMnexlDRnD |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}} During this time, Ferrer also recorded with Edgardo Franco "El General" on the album, El Poder del General.{{Citation |title=El General - El Poder El General |date=1992 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/2097834-El-General-El-Poder-El-General?srsltid=AfmBOoqWf9UjLcsX8LShKI_FLC37vhaokFP5PHT2UQmPLuWF-xE8xQ7D |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}}

Ferrer moved to Miami, Florida to continue his work as soloist and in 2010 released the album, The Great{{Citation |title=Carlos El Grande, Las Estrellas de la Musica Africana - The Great |date=2010 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/2098019-Carlos-El-Grande-Las-Estrellas-de-la-Musica-Africana-The-Great?srsltid=AfmBOoqJsHYIbhSYmNNNWO3sgnRTu0_ozIjZ7wUjh2IuRnNAvr-p8ZmY |access-date=2025-04-17 |language=en}}. The Great was launched by MKE Entertainment and produced by Michael Ellis.

Ferrer currently resides in Panama, performing for audiences, with most recently performing at Panama's Carnival.

• De Frente Y Luchando...! (1978) La Salsa Mayor "Nuestra Orquestra"
• Sonero Con Clase (1981) Carlos El Grande Con José Mangual Jr. Y su Orquesta
• A Base De Salsa (1982) Nati Y Su Charanga Con Carlos El Grande
• Lo Que Traigo Es Salsa (1983) José Mangual Jr. Y su Orquesta Con Carlos El Grande
• A Cataño (1987) Alfredo Valdes Jr. Y Su Conjunto Fuego
• Aqui Se Puede (1987) Ray Barretto - Lead Vocals
• El Genio (1989) Louie Ramirez - Vocals
• Las Estrellas de la Musica Africana (2010) Carlos El Grande