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 Johnny
grew up in New York City at a time when it was the heart and soul of
Latin Jazz in this country. At17 years old Johnny earned a place
playing bongos in the Tito
Puente Orchestra . This was the beginning
of Johnny’s career and of a lifetime association with the King
of Latin Music, Tito Puente. Johnny spent over 30 years with the Tito
Puente Orchestra, also working with Tito Rodriguez from 1965 to 1968
and with Ray Barretto from 1970 until the end of 1972.
Johnny went on to form his successful ‘Tipica 73’ band in
1972, which he was with until 1979. Following this he went back to
work with Tito
Puente, playing alongside him until the time of his
death in May of 2000. Shortly after Tito’s death the Puente estate
decided to stop any further performances under the Puente name. With
dedication to their music and fans Johnny got together with Jose
Madera and Mitch Frohman and they formed the Latin Giants of Jazz in 2001.
Under Johnny’s leadership the band has released two albums which
have been recognized internationally. Staying on top ten charts worldwide.
Over the course of this career, Johnny has been recognized as one of
the greatest players and innovators of Latin music. Working with Martin
Cohen, Johnny has opened many doors for Latin performers spurring a recognizable
change in Latin performers’ abilities to entertain in Europe
and around the world.
Today, Johnny refuses to rest on his laurels and continues to
work tirelessly to promote Latin music and further its progression
worldwide. He is very active with
The Latin Giants of Jazz (along with fellow LP artists Joe
Madera and
George Delgado), which features the stars
of the former Tito
Puente Orchestra. The band performs thefamed
Palladium days music of Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, and Machito, and
also recorded The Giants Play the Music of the Palladium.
In 2009, Johnny entrusted LP's
Research and Development Department with developing the LP
Legends Series Johnny "Dandy" Rodriguez, Jr.
Bongos. The drums have sound and visual features
that Johnny is proud to have his name on.
Equipment
list: LP
congas, LP
Tito Puente Timbales, LP
Legends Series Johnny "Dandy" Rodriguez,
Jr. Congas, LP
tamborines, LP
guiros, LP
Agogo Bells and assorted LP
hand percussion
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