Willie Rosario

In 1948, after moving from Puerto Rico to New York City, Rosario became captivated by Tito Puente’s drumming at the Palladium Ballroom. He soon started formal percussion training and made his professional debut in 1953 as a member of Johnny Sequi’s band. When Sequi later returned to Puerto Rico, Rosario assumed leadership of the ensemble, which today ranks among the most prominent salsa and Latin jazz groups across Latin America.