Trumpeter and percussionist Jerry Gonzalez was a major figure in the development of Latin jazz from the 1970s until his death in 2018.  Gonzalez was of Puerto Rican descent and was born in New York City on June 5, 1949, 75 years ago today.

Jerry Gonzalez started playing in Afro-Cuban bands alongside his brother while still in his teens. He studied at New York University and played with George Benson, Eddie Palmieri and Tony Williams during the 1970s. Jerry appeared with Dizzy Gillespie when only 21 years old.

In 1979 Jerry Gonzalez recorded his first album as a leader, and a year later formed the influential Fort Apache Band which featured “a return to Latin-bebop fusions with Latin jazz versions of the music of jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk.” The New York Times said the ensemble was “the best Latin jazz group working.” Gonzalez also played with Jaco Pastorius between 1984 and 1987, McCoy Tyner from 1984 until 1990 and with Tito Puente’s band from 1984 until 1999.

In the year 2000 Jerry moved to Spain and lived in Madrid. While living there he fronted two bands:  Los Piratas del Flamenco and El Comando de la Clave, and continued recording as well.  He recorded 18 albums as a leader and dozens more as a sideman during his career. Gonzalez died in 2018 after suffering a heart attack during a fire in his home in Madrid.

Here is a link to Jerry Gonzalez on flugelhorn with the Fort Apache Band:

"JERRY GONZALEZ AND THE FORT APACHE BAND"