meet the artist Manolito Rodríguez

Manolito Rodríguez Biography

Percussionist and singer. From an early age, Manolito began studying at the Escuela Libre de Musica in Caguas, Puerto Rico with Juan Carlos Bruno and Pepe Torres. Then at the Art and Culture Center of Old San Juan with Irvin García and the Escuela Libre de Música in San Juan with Santiago 'Chago' Martínez. Manolito was only 11 when he participated in the 1998 edition of the National Salsa Day with Roberto Roena and his Apollo Sound and at the age of 15 he recorded his first musical production with Nestor Torres "The Side Of Paradise" which was awarded a Grammy Award. Manolito was very active playing in his native Puerto Rico and at the age of 16, he participated in the live recorded album of the Puerto Rican Masters under the musical direction of Luis Perico Ortiz, an album that was very popular among the salsa music fans.
 
Manolito had the chance to record for the 45th Anniversary of the famous Sonora Ponceña and at the age of 17 he entered as a timbalero of this prestigious band with which he recorded and toured extensively for 4 years. 

At age 21 Manolito decides to enter Puerto Rico Music Conservatory to finish his Bachelor in Jazz and Popular Music under the tutelage of Prof. Andrew Lazaro. While studying in the Conservatory Manolito was still active playing with orchestras like Del Sur Al Norte, José Alberto El Canario, India, Ray de la Paz, Oscar de León in Puerto Rico, Willie Colon in RD, Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, Substitute for Willie Rosario, Victor Manuelle, Gilberto Santa Rosa among other great artists of the salsa genre. He was also a member of the Puerto Rico Concert Band under the direction of Cucco Peña and has done recording projects for Ismael Miranda, Giberto Santa Rosa, Victor Manuelle, Maluma, Yahaira Placencia, Sergio George, Jan Collazo, and Cucco Peña.

He currently works as a Percussion teacher at the Jesus T. Piñero Specialized Music School in Cidra.

Country: Puerto Rico