Luis Conte has become one of the most respected and recorded percussionists in the world. He has won innumerable awards including a Grammy, Percussionist of the Year by Modern Drummer Magazine, and Percussionist and Studio Percussionist of the Year by Drum Magazine where he was inducted into the the Reader’s Choice Hall of Fame.

Luis Conte’s genius stems from his ability to integrate the powerful rhythms of his native Cuba with the voicings of American pop and jazz traditions. His long and varied career has included numerous mega-successful albums with Madonna, Ray Charles, Phil Collins, Santana, Shakira, Jackson Browne, Sergio Mendes, Cachao, and a multitude of other artists.

Born in Santiago, Cuba, Luis spent the first 15 years of his life soaking up the rich musical heritage of “El Son” and Carnival. At 15, looking for freedom, Luis emigrated to Madrid, Spain. He soon had another opportunity to travel, this time to Hollywood. In California, Luis stayed with a cousin and attended Hollywood High School, playing guitar in numerous rock bands throughout his teens.

Today, as a studio and touring percussionist, Luis is in high demand by superstars of every genre, including: Sergio Mendes, Ray Charles, Jackson Browne, Beck, Shakira, Sade, Santana, Herb Alpert, Phillip Bailey, Steve Winwood, Cher, Eric Clapton, Robben Ford, Julio and Enrique Iglesias, Jewel, Pat Metheny, Elton John, Chaka Khan, The Eagles, and Queen Latifa.