JERRY GONZÁLEZ

Latin jazz luminary (1949–2018)

Percussionist and trumpeter Jerry González was a crucial figure in the growth of modern latin jazz. Born to a Puerto Rican family in Manhattan, he was encouraged by early mentor Dizzy Gillespie – with whom he started playing in 1970 – to pursue his dual fascination with jazz and African rhythms. He and bassist brother Andy featured in eddie Palmieri’s ensemble during the ’70s, before forming their own collective, The Fort Apache Band. González also played alongside Tito Puente, McCoy Tyner and Jaco Pastorius.