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United States Pete Escovedo is a legendary percussionist who has significantly influenced Latin jazz, salsa, and contemporary music. Collaborating with iconic artists and leading his own acclaimed ensembles, he continues to shape the global appreciation for Latin rhythms.
Pete Escovedo is recognized as an artist by Innovative Percussion, highlighting his status as a legendary percussionist.
Pete Escovedo collaborated with Carlos Santana as a member of his band, integrating jazz and soul into Latin music.
Peter Michael Escovedo Jr., born on July 13, 1935, in Pittsburg, California, is an American percussionist with a career spanning decades. Early in his journey, he co-founded the Escovedo Bros Latin Jazz Sextet alongside his brothers. His talent quickly gained recognition, leading to an significant opportunity to join Carlos Santana’s band, Santana, alongside his brother Coke Escovedo. This period was pivotal in introducing Latin rhythms to a wider audience, as Santana’s success provided a platform for integrating jazz, soul, and other styles into their music. Escovedo later led the prominent 14–24 piece Latin big band, Azteca, further cementing his reputation in the Latin jazz scene.
Throughout his career, Escovedo has maintained a consistent output of recordings, starting with his debut solo album “Solo Two” in 1977 under Fantasy Records. He continued to release numerous albums, including “Happy Together” (1978), “Island” (1982), “Mister E” (1987), and “Flying South” (1995) through Concord Crossover and Concord Picante. His discography reflects a dedication to evolving Latin jazz, with later releases like “E Musica” (2000), “Whatcha Gonna Do” (2001), “Live from Stern Grove Festival” (2012), and most recently “Back to the Bay” (2018). These albums showcase his ability to blend traditional Latin sounds with contemporary elements, R&B, and funk, appealing to a diverse global audience.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Pete Escovedo also owned and operated Mr. E’s, a nightclub in Berkeley, California, in the late 1990s, highlighting his commitment to the music community. His influence extends to his family, with his children, including singer-percussionist Sheila E. and percussionist Peter Michael Escovedo III, following in his musical footsteps. In recognition of his enduring contributions to music, Pete Escovedo, alongside his daughter Sheila E., was honored with the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, celebrating a career that has broken down barriers between various musical genres and fostered a greater appreciation for Latin music worldwide.
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