Luis "Perico" Ortiz

Luis "Perico" Ortiz began his path as a skilled trumpeter while enrolled at the Puerto Rican Conservatory, where he secured a position in the local symphony orchestra at age 18. The Latin jazz and salsa specialist relocated to New York in 1970 and soon performed alongside Mongo Santamaria, Tito Puente, and Tito Rodríguez and additional musicians. Following the release of his debut solo album in 1977, he assembled his own orchestra and earned Trumpetist of the Year honors at the 1978 New York Magazine awards plus Best Salsa Performer recognition at the 1981 ACE awards. He established Luis Perico Ortiz Productions after returning to his homeland in 1993 and supplied services to major entertainment firms along with prominent musician and producer Quincy Jones. RMM Records issued his acclaimed Café Con Leche y Dos De Azúcar in 1996.