Binomio de Oro de América

Founded in Barranquilla in 1976 by singer Rafael Orozco Maestre and accordionist Israel Romero, Binomio de Oro de América holds an important place in the history of Colombian vallenato. Their melodic approach is often associated with vallenato romántico, where the accordion, backing vocals and male voices carry sentimental and narrative songs. Initially known as Binomio de Oro, the group released El Binomio de Oro in 1976 and Por lo alto in 1977, then followed with landmark albums such as Fuera de serie (1982), Mucha calidad (1983), De América (1991) and Por siempre (1992). After Rafael Orozco was murdered in 1992, the band reformed in 1993 as Binomio de Oro de América, still led by Israel Romero, operating in a more collective way with several singers and accordionists rotating through. The group became an important platform for voices like Jean Carlos Centeno, Jorge Celedón and Alejandro Palacio, while maintaining a stage-rooted, accessible vallenato sound. The discography continued with Grafiti de amor (2005), Impredecible (2006), Corazón de miel (2011) and Por el mundo entero (2019), reflecting the ensemble’s continuity between classical heritage and renewal of performers.