Willie Bobo was an influential figure in the Latin jazz and salsa music scenes, whose career spanned several decades from the 1950s until his untimely death in 1983. Born William Correa in 1934, in Spanish Harlem, New York, he was of Puerto Rican descent and developed a passion for Afro-Cuban music early on. He earned the nickname "Bobo" during his childhood, which would later become a signature part of his artistic identity. As an adept percussionist, particularly on the timbales, he became a respected and sought-after musician, performing with legendary acts like Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, and Cal Tjader.

Throughout his career, Bobo managed to fuse elements of jazz, soul, and funk with his Latin roots, creating a sound that was uniquely his own. He recorded several albums as a bandleader, showcasing not just his percussive talents but also his ability to bring together top musicians and innovate within the genre. His live performances were electrifying, often capturing the improvisational spirit of jazz and the celebratory essence of Latin rhythms, as heard in recordings like "King Conga (Live)" and "Thus Spake Zarathustra (Live)." Although Willie Bobo passed away in 1983, his legacy continued through posthumous releases and compilations, such as "Dig My Feeling" and "Willie Bobo's Finest Hour," which helped to cement his status as one of the great percussionists and bandleaders in Latin music history.

Genres

Afro-cuban Percussion

Boogaloo

Latin Jazz

Related Artists

Tito Puente

Ray Barretto

Eddie Palmieri

Cal Tjader

Poncho Sanchez

Johnny Pacheco

Joe Cocker

Celia Cruz

Carlos Santana

Adalberto Santiago

Dizzy Gillespie

Cheo Feliciano

Latest Release

Summertime (Live)

Willie Bobo

Single - Released June 21, 2024