Important Information

Early lifeThe youngest of eleven children, Poncho Sanchez was born in Laredo, Texas.
He was reared in Norwalk, California.
Growing up, Sanchez was exposed to and influenced by two very different styles of music: Afro-Cuban music (mambo, son, cha-cha, rumba, guaracha, salsa) by greats such as Tito Puente, and bebop jazz, including the works of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker.
Originally a guitarist, he discovered his talent for singing during an audition for an R&B band "The Halos" that rehearsed across the street from where he lived with his neighborhood friend Ralph Vasquez then becoming the lead vocalist of the group.
Sanchez would later go on to teach himself the flute, drums, and timbales before finally deciding to pursue conga-playing in high school.CareerIn 1975, Sanchez's idol, vibraphonist Cal Tjader, invited him to perform one set with his band.
Seeing the young man's talent, Tjader hired Sanchez for a week before officially making him a full member of the ensemble.
Sanchez played a crucial role as conguero for several years until Tjader's death in 1982.Before he died, Tjader suggested that Concord Records founder Carl Jefferson sign Sanchez and his soon-to-be-formed group under the Concord Picante label.
Tjader's wishes were honored, and the first two records were composed and arranged by long-time Tjader collaborator Clare Fischer.Poncho Sanchez went on to produce 19 albums for the label, eventually garnering a Grammy for his work.
Currently, Sanchez is respected as one of the top American percussionists of our time.
He performs frequently in venues varying in size from concert halls to local jazz festivals.
His 2005 CD, Do It!, features the iconic funk band Tower of Power on two tracks as well as South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela.