Walfredo Reyes Sr.

Walfredo Reyes Sr. was a Cuban-born percussionist celebrated around the world for his distinctive and influential style of playing. He was also admired as the father of two outstanding percussionists, Walfredo Reyes Jr. and Danny Reyes, carrying forward his musical legacy through his family. Deeply influenced by his fellow Cuban percussion great Candido (also interviewed for the NAMM Oral History program), Walfredo’s artistry blended tradition with innovation. Over his long and remarkable career, he performed with an impressive array of musicians, including Tito Puente, Philly Joe Jones, Jose Fajardo, and Sammy Davis Jr., leaving a lasting mark on the world of percussion and inspiring generations of drummers.