Nelson González

Nelson González is a celebrated Puerto Rican musician born on May 30, 1948, in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, and is renowned for his mastery of the Cuban tres guitar. Moving to Brooklyn in 1960, he became a key figure in the Nuyorican music scene of the 1970s. Over his extensive career, he has been a prolific session player and a member of legendary salsa ensembles like Fania All-Stars, Orchestra Harlow, and Típica 73. González co-founded Los Kimbos in the mid-1970s and later formed his own band, gaining recognition as one of the most influential modern tres players, alongside Pancho Amat and Papi Oviedo. His work includes collaborations with icons such as Cachao, Eddie Palmieri, Gloria Estefan, and Tito Puente, and he has contributed to five Grammy-winning albums.

Besides his performance career, Nelson González has authored a tres guitar method book and been honored with several awards, including Best Tres Player of the Year from Latin New York Magazine and a Latin Grammy nomination for his solo album *Pa’ los treseros*. His sound, deeply rooted in Cuban son and salsa, helped preserve and evolve the tres tradition while inspiring generations of Latin musicians worldwide. Known for his vibrant live performances, González continues to be a vital presence in Latin music, carrying the rich legacy of the Cuban tres forward with passion and expertise.