Ismael Rivera, also known as "Maelo," was a renowned Puerto Rican composer and salsa singer, born on October 5, 1931, in Santurce, Puerto Rico. He was the eldest of five children in the Rivera family, with a father who was a carpenter and a mother who was a housewife. Despite his early life challenges, Rivera's passion for music was evident from a young age, as he often sang and played improvised instruments. He received his primary education at Pedro G. Goyco Elementary School and later pursued carpentry at a vocational school. Rivera's musical journey began when he joined El Conjunto Monterrey in 1948 alongside his close friend Rafael Cortijo.Rivera's musical career flourished as he joined Orquesta Panamericana and later Cortijo's Combo, where he gained recognition as a talented lead singer. His remarkable contributions to Latin music earned him the title of "El Sonero Mayor" by Cuban producer Ángel Maceda. Rivera's personal life was marked by his marriage to Virginia Fuente and his relationships with other women, leading to the birth of five children.Throughout his career, Rivera experienced both triumphs and challenges, including a brief period of incarceration for drug possession. Despite these setbacks, he continued to make significant contributions to the music industry, forming his own band, Ismael Rivera and his Cachimbos, and achieving success with solo recordings.Rivera's legacy lives on

Ismael Quintana (June 3, 1937 – April 16, 2016) was a renowned Puerto Rican singer and composer known for his contributions to salsa music. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Quintana moved to The Bronx, New York, at a young age and began his musical journey by forming a band during high school. His big break came in 1961 when bandleader Eddie Palmieri invited him to join his band, La Perfecta, where he served as the lead singer and co-wrote some of Palmieri's hit songs. Quintana later embarked on a successful solo career, recording five albums and scoring a major hit with "Mi Debilidad" ("My Weakness"). He also toured extensively with the Fania All-Stars and appeared in the movie "Salsa." In his later years, Quintana semi-retired due to health issues and passed away in 2016 at the age of 78. His legacy lives on through his numerous recordings and collaborations with iconic musicians such as Eddie Palmieri, Cal Tjader, Tito Puente, and more. Ismael Quintana's influence and talent continue to be celebrated in the world of Latin music.

Ismael Mahmoud Ghassab, born on January 1, 1961, is a renowned Jordanian long-distance runner. He gained international recognition for his participation in the marathon at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where he secured the 64th position. Notably, Mahmoud's dedication and skill propelled him to an impressive 13th place at the 1985 World University Games marathon. His remarkable performances have solidified his status as a respected athlete in the world of long-distance running. Ghassab's contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the athletic community, inspiring aspiring runners around the globe.

Ismael Valenzuela (December 25, 1934 – September 2, 2009) was an influential American Thoroughbred horse racing jockey known for his remarkable career in the sport. Born into a large family of 22 children who had immigrated to the United States, Valenzuela's early years were spent in Mexico before returning to the U.S. At the age of 14, he began working with quarter horses and later launched his successful career as a jockey at a racetrack in Tucson, Arizona. Valenzuela gained national prominence as a jockey competing for the American Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. Notably, he won the 1958 Kentucky Derby on board Tim Tam, followed by victory at the Preakness Stakes. Throughout the early 1960s, he rode Kelso to numerous victories and achieved the prestigious Horse of the Year award every year. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Valenzuela was posthumously inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2008. Despite facing health challenges, his legacy continues to inspire future generations of jockeys. Valenzuela's impact on horse racing is enduring, and his remarkable achievements solidify his place in the annals of Thoroughbred racing history.

Ismael Sauce, born on November 6, 1951, is a Venezuelan former tennis player hailing from Caracas. He made significant contributions to Venezuelan tennis by representing his country at the 1975 Pan American Games and participating in two editions of the Bolivarian Games. In 1978, Sauce, alongside Juan Bóveda, clinched the men's doubles gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games. His talent and dedication led him to compete in two career Davis Cup ties for Venezuela in 1981. During his Davis Cup journey, he showcased his prowess by securing a doubles rubber victory in the America Zone semi-final against the Caribbean. Despite facing a loss in both rubbers during the final against Colombia, Sauce's unwavering commitment to the sport left a lasting impact. His remarkable journey in the world of tennis continues to inspire aspiring athletes.References:- Ismael Sauce at the Association of Tennis Professionals- Ismael Sauce at the Davis Cup- Ismael Sauce at the International Tennis Federation