Pete Escovedo, percussion

Born: 1935 in Pittsburg, California and raised in Oakland

First big gig: opening act for the Count Basie Orchestra at San Francisco’s Downbeat Club

A family affair: Pete Escovedo’s love of music influenced his late brother, Coke Esocovedo, who also became a percussionist. They formed the Escovedo Brothers Latin Jazz Sextet with their younger brother, Phil. Pete’s daughter is Sheila E.

Joined: Carlos Santana and his band and toured, performed and recorded with them for three years.

A second ensemble: Azteca was formed by Pete and Coke in the late 1970s. This group recorded two albums for Colombia Records.

Performed and recorded: with Herbie Hancock, Mongo Santamaria, Tito Puente, Woody Herman, Anita Baker, Barry White, Bobby McFerrin, Bozz Scaggs, Chris Isaak and many others