Percussion Profiles

Percussion Profiles: Cándido Camero

Cándido Camero (1921–2020) was a Cuban percussionist whose career spanned over 75 years — from Havana’s barrios to New York’s jazz stages. A pioneer of Afro-Cuban rhythm and one of the most recorded conga players in history, his music continues to inspire percussionists worldwide.

Percussion Profiles: Carlos “Patato” Valdés

Carlos “Patato” Valdés (1926–2007) was a Cuban percussionist and bandleader whose six-decade career bridged Havana’s dance halls and New York’s jazz stages. A defining figure in Afro-Cuban jazz, his performances and recordings continue to influence percussionists around the world.

Percussion Profiles: Mongo Santamaría

Ramón “Mongo” Santamaría (1917–2003) brought the sound of the conga drum from Havana to the world stage. His work with Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, and Herbie Hancock helped define Latin Jazz and Afro-Cuban percussion for generations to come.

Percussion Profiles: Tata Güines

Cuban master conguero Tata Güines is hailed as the godfather of modern conga playing. His crisp and unique sound, rhythmic vocabulary and technical innovations, as well as his prolific body of recorded work, have had an immeasurable impact, however direct or indirect, on every conga player over the past 70 years.