Chano Pozo

First Latin percussionist in Dizzy Gillespie's band; introduced by Mario Bauzá (1947); Carnegie Hall (Sept 1947); co-wrote 'Manteca' and 'Tin Tin Deo'.

Chano Pozo was the Havana conga player, dancer, and composer whose 1947-48 work with Dizzy Gillespie produced foundational Afro-Cuban jazz recordings, including 'Manteca.' He established the conga in jazz as a serious rhythmic voice rather than a novelty, giving African American jazz musicians a direct line, through Cuba, to African-derived ceremonial drumming. His example legitimized the instrument for later players such as Mongo Santamaría and Ray Barretto.

Role

percussionist, composer, dancer

Era

Mambo & Cha-Cha-Cha

Genre

Afro-Cuban jazz / Cubop (Latin jazz)

Origin

Havana, Cuba