Musician, Composer. "Mongo," which he later learned meant "head of the tribe," was a composer and latin-jazz percussionist (congas). He was nominated for 6 grammys from 1975-1985 (winning 1 in 1978 for recording "Amanecer"). He wrote "Afro Blue" which later became a jazz standard and performed the 1963 hit "Watermelon Man" written by Herbie Hancock.
Musician, Composer. "Mongo," which he later learned meant "head of the tribe," was a composer and latin-jazz percussionist (congas). He was nominated for 6 grammys from 1975-1985 (winning 1 in 1978 for recording "Amanecer"). He wrote "Afro Blue" which later became a jazz standard and performed the 1963 hit "Watermelon Man" written by Herbie Hancock.
Bio by: Shelly Stager
Advertisement
See more Santamaria memorials in:
Advertisement
