[2] During his free time he would hang around the corner with his best friend Rafael Cortijo and sing songs.

When he returned to Puerto Rico, he went to work as a lead singer with Orquesta Panamericana, thanks to the recommendation of his friend Rafael Cortijo.

Rivera was named sonero mayor by Cuban producer Ángel Maceda, owner of club Bronx Casino in New York; this is based in an interview done with Ismael.

In 1959, Rivera, together with Cortijo and his Combo, participated in the European produced movie titled Calipso, starring Harry Belafonte.

He traveled with Cortijo's Combo, which also included Rafael Ithier and Roberto Roena, to Europe, Central and South America.

According to later reports, various band members regularly concealed illegal drug shipments, but this time the Customs inspectors were waiting for them.

Shortly after, Rafael Ithier regrouped some of the former members and formed El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.

He scored his greatest hit with "Las caras lindas (de mi gente negra)" written by Tite Curet Alonso.

[8] Celia Cruz recorded a tribute to Ismael Rivera and so did Dario y su ComboRican.