Gus Quintero

Long before he became a radio star in Tampa Bay, Gus Quintero was entertaining the crowds at the Royal Theatre in West Tampa as part of the “Fiesta En Tampa” review. He was a tremendous singer and dancer, and would accompany Ruben Fabelo troop to Havana, Cuba on tour.

Gus sang professionally for the first time at age 15 at Rocky Point, with the “Conjunto Estrella”. Led by Evangelina Lopez. Rene Fuentes, Billy Delgado, Alicia Ramos, Bobby Alvarez, and many others got their start at the “China Clipper” dance club. It was the start of a brilliant career entertaining in front of a live audience, and experience that he would credit with opening many doors for him down the road.

Gus entered radio at age 15, working at WALT and also at WYOU, WQBN, WTYM, and others. He enjoyed working the circuit. His radio mates at the time included Woody Garcia, Mario Quevedo, Gabriel “Puli” Sequiera, and Jose Rodriguez.

Gus did the color commentary on the Tampa Bay Bucs game on Spanish radio, and also did the same for the Tampa Bay Bandits of the USFL.

Gus also ventured to Alaska while in the Army in 1955, and hosted a Spanish radio show for the Latin troops stationed in the 50th state. Gus would speak in English most of the time, but played the Latin-American music for the soldiers.

Gus was the first night time DJ at WQBN in the early 1980s when they became the first 24 hour Latin music station in Tampa Bay.

Gus now lives in Tampa, retired and enjoying the good life.