The Fablulaires

Luis "Blue" Mercado
Even as a small child Lou knew that music was in his soul. Keeping his mother up at night was his favorite past time and only a song could quiet his restless mind and put him to sleep. Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico Lou came to the Bronx New York at the age of 3. A chance encounter with Doo Wop at the age of 7 left him hooked. Lou could not believe how voices could sing together in harmony and create such beautiful arrangements. To him it was "vocal art"

Sunday nights were dedicated to listening to Don K. Reed's Doo Wop show on WCBS Radio. Here he would listen to acappella groups and dream about duplicating the sounds he loved to listen to. Sounds that spoke to his heart.

In 1978, while attending The Bronx High School of Science, he met Mr. Joe Rivera III. He and Joe became best friends and Lou showed Joe how to sing the first tenor parts to his favorite songs. Soon the acapella group "Acapella Soul" was formed. Lou & Joe would find anybody who was willing to listen and train them on how to sing baritone or tenor. The group would eventually include Lou, Joe, Arnold Salinas-lead singer, Michael Martinez- baritone and would be known as "UPTOWN EXPRESS" because of their love of singing on the Uptown number 4 train on their way to school.

In 1981, Lou formed the group "Street Corner Magic". Lou was 15 years old. The oldest member of the group was Joe Rivera at 17! That year they appeared on the Ronnie I "Just for You" show at WHBI radio. That summer brought them to the famous stage of U.G.H.A in New Jersey. A second appearance in Spring of 1982 On Ronnie I's radio was another bonus for this young group.

Over the years Lou and Joe would sing together in various groups. A memorable group for Lou was "Vision" a Temptations tribute group in 1990-1991. Here, Joe & Lou joined high school friend Andrew Roden and lead singer Ricardo Wright. Venues included opening for the Impressions at club Sweetwater's in NY.

After "Vision" parted ways, Joe Rivera went on to sing as 2nd tenor for Earl Lewis & The Channels for 15 years. He is still going strong with the Channels. Lou and Joe remain the best of friends and cheer each other on when ever they are playing the same venue.

Lou also sang with the Acapella group "Subway in 1982 and with "Subway Traditions". He has been on stage with such notables as The Belmonts, The Impalas, The Del Vikings, The Cleftones, The Salutations, The Dubs, Eternals, The Cadillacs, Tuneweavers just to name a few.

In early 2004, Lou, Johnny Pacheco, Willie Pacheco and Gil Ortiz formed a group called "The Tracs". They toured extensively and record a cd entitled "Coming Home" produced by Lou.

Lou's love of music also led to being appointed musical director for Joey & The Paradons where he met Frank Diblasi. After a short stint with The Paradons, Lou and Frank returned to the sound and style they love. Pure vocal harmony! The rest is history.

Lou performs with The Fabulaires and also arranges all the vocals as well as the music you hear behind the group.

He is a Fabulaire!