Musician, Folk Figure. Legendary street musician widely known as Bongo Joe. He was an extraordinary percussionist who used a homemade set of graffiti-covered 55 gallon steel oil drums and tin cans to pound out unique jazz improvisations. His musical career began in the 1940s and included everything from gigs with Sammy Davis Jr. to playing on the beach in Galveston, the streets of San Antonio and at exclusive parties in private homes and country clubs. He played for President John F. Kennedy at the Cellar, a club in Fort Worth, the night before Kennedy was assassinated. Bongo Joe played piano with Dizzy Gillespie one year at the New Orleans festival. He recorded an album in 1968.
Musician, Folk Figure. Legendary street musician widely known as Bongo Joe. He was an extraordinary percussionist who used a homemade set of graffiti-covered 55 gallon steel oil drums and tin cans to pound out unique jazz improvisations. His musical career began in the 1940s and included everything from gigs with Sammy Davis Jr. to playing on the beach in Galveston, the streets of San Antonio and at exclusive parties in private homes and country clubs. He played for President John F. Kennedy at the Cellar, a club in Fort Worth, the night before Kennedy was assassinated. Bongo Joe played piano with Dizzy Gillespie one year at the New Orleans festival. He recorded an album in 1968.
Bio by: Deleon Todd
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