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John 'Dandy' Rodriguez

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Countless legendary artists helped LP get started, but arguably none played a bigger role than John ‘Dandy’ Rodriguez. Hear Dandy speak about meeting LP founder Martin Cohen in the early ‘60s, consulting on LP’s earliest instruments, and the bongos made in his name for LP’s 60th.

LP60

Episode 1: John ‘Dandy’ Rodriguez

LP founder Martin Cohen shares his lifelong journey with Latin Percussion starting with his exit from corporate life to the legendary artists he met in New York City’s Latin jazz scene to getting his start making instruments to expanding the business worldwide. Over the last 60 years, it’s clear that Martin’s passion, relationships, and tireless innovation made LP the global percussion brand it is today.

Episode 2: Martin Cohen

Legendary percussionist and bandleader Eddie Montalvo (Hector Lavoe, Ruben Blades) has been an LP artist since 1976. Over nearly five decades with the brand, Eddie shares his view of LP’s impact through the brand’s universal presence and appeal, while bringing Latin music and culture to the masses.

Episode 3: Eddie Montalvo

Percussionist ‘Little’ Johnny Rivero shares how LP instruments enhanced his earliest performances and how he became friends with LP founder Martin Cohen in the early ‘70s. An LP artist since 1978, Johnny associates the LP brand with a dedication to community, culture, and passionate pursuit of rhythm.

Episode 4: ‘Little’ Johnny Rivero

Rock session drummer extraordinaire Anton Fig shares how Latin Percussion’s commitment to quality and innovation have enabled the brand to transcend culture and musical genres for over 60 years. Whatever their intended purpose, Anton also describes how LP instruments always find a place in performance.

Episode 5: Anton Fig

Hear the incredible journey of powerhouse, GRAMMY-nominated percussionist Pedro ‘Pedrito’ Martinez, who made his way from Cuba to Thelonious Monk Competition winner in 1998 to LP artist in 2000. Sixty years ago, LP was founded on the inspiration provided by passionate artists like Pedrito, who play LP instruments to inspire audiences and helped build LP into a global brand.

Episode 6: Pedrito Martinez

Longtime friend of LP,  Kárenly Michelle, shares the vital cultural importance that music and rhythm hold in her Puerto Rican hometown. Furthermore, Kárenly shares how the LP brand helps foster a sense of joy, connection, and expression in communities like hers in Latin American and beyond.

Episode 7: Kárenly Michelle

Legendary LP artist, Giovanni Hidalgo, describes how LP has become family to him over his 40-plus years with the brand. One of the most innovative and renowned conga players in the world, Giovanni gives insight on how LP’s shared values and special relationship with the Latin community makes LP one of a kind in percussion.

Episode 8: Giovanni Hidalgo

For 30-plus years Karl Perazzo (Santana) has been an LP artist, but he’s played LP all his life. Karl shares what Latin Percussion means to him from the roster of legendary artists who inspired his rhythm from a young age, the instruments that fueled his journey to a successful percussion career, and the sense of gratitude he carries with him.

Episode 9: Karl Perazzo

Percussionist, educator, and LP artist Nicholas “Nicky” Marrero performed and toured with the Fania All-Stars and played with legendary names like Dizzy Gillespie and Tito Puente. Over his career, Nicky had a front row seat to the global expansion of Latin music and culture throughout the music industry and all over the world.

Episode 10: Nicky Marrero

Percussionist, composer, and LP artist Kevin Ricard (Stevie Wonder, Steve Winwood) plays a wide range of LP hand percussion instruments and musical styles. In addition to representing quality, Kevin shares how LP instruments amplify culture, community, and connection in traditional and popular music.

Episode 11: Kevin Ricard

Multi-genre percussionist, drummer, and educator Marcos Lopez (Marc Anthony) shares how Latin Percussion helps unify musicians and cultures everywhere. Visible on corners and in gathering spaces in major cities around the globe, LP instruments foster an instant connection for perfect strangers through a shared passion for great music and quality instruments.

Hear from LP legends.

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John 'Dandy' Rodriguez

Episode 1: John ‘Dandy’ Rodriguez

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