Latin percussion history

Percussion Profiles: Willie Bobo

Willie Bobo (1934–1983) was one of the most versatile percussionists of his generation — a timbalero, conguero, and drummer who moved effortlessly between Afro-Cuban jazz, R&B, boogaloo, and pop, and whose recording of "Evil Ways" became a breakthrough hit for Santana.

Percussion Profiles: Tito Puente

Tito Puente (1923–2000) was one of the towering figures in the history of Latin music — a timbalero, bandleader, and composer whose five-decade career helped define mambo, Latin jazz, and salsa, and earned him the title "El Rey del Timbal."

Percussion Profiles: Johnny Rodriguez “Dandy”

Johnny "Dandy" Rodríguez (1945–2024) was one of the most respected and recorded bongoseros in the history of Latin music — the long-time bongo player for Tito Puente, a co-founder of Típica 73, and a first-call studio percussionist across the entire Fania era.

Percussion Profiles: Ray Barretto

Ray Barretto (1929–2006) was one of the most recorded congueros in the history of Latin music — a percussionist whose hard-hitting style and restless musical curiosity left an indelible mark on jazz, salsa, and everything in between.