Pete Terrace

Born to Puerto Rican parents, he entered the music world in 1940. His initial professional engagement came with El Sexteto Caney, after which he performed in turn with the Sensemaya Kids, Jose Curbelo, Ralph Font, Noro Morales, and Juanito Sanabria. He completed an 18-month tour of duty with the US Army. Returning to civilian life in 1947, he played drums for Bartolo Hernandez and, in 1952, became a member of the Joe Loco Quintet. His first venture leading a band produced a hit LP in 1956. He received a B.S. from the Juilliard Conservatory of Music in 1966 and completed a master’s degree there the following year.