Sammy Figueroa, master percussionist, was born in Bronx, New York. He is the son of Charlie Figueroa, a well-known singer. At the age of 18, he began his professional career with Bobby Valentin’s band. He co-founded the innovative Brazilian/Latin fusion group Raices during this period, which was a major breakthrough for many current bands. After the release of a classic Atlantic Records album, the band moved to New York. Herbie Mann, a jazz flautist, soon discovered Sammy. The band released albums and tours with John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra, the Brecker Brothers and Average White Band, and culminated in Miles Davis recordings and tours. Sammy has been a part of many distinguished Latin jazz and jazz musicians, including Quincy Jones, Quincy Jones, Dave Grusin, George Benson, Chet Bakker, Stanley Clarke, Grover Washington, Jr., Lena Horne, Joe Williams, Mike Mainieri, Nestor Turres, Chico O’Farrill, Mike Stern, Dave Grusin, Chuck Loeb, Bobby Watson, Dave Valentin, Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera, Luis Salinas, Ruben blades, Tania Maria, Tania Maria, Tania, Tania, Tania, Tania, Tania, Tania, Tania, Tania, Tania, Tania, Tanna Maria, Tania, Tania, Tania, Tania, Tania, Tania, Tania, Tania, Tania, and Michel Camillo Sammy has also performed with many of the biggest pop stars in the world. He was a guest on Mariah Carey’s MTV Unplugged video, and recorded or performed with Dr. John, Mick Jagger and David Bowie.
