Richie Gajate-Garcia, percussion

Born: in Puerto Rico

Nickname: “el Pulpo” (Spanish for “the Octopus”) given for his ability to play multiple percussion instruments simultaneously

Accompanied artists: such as Phil Collins, Sting, Celia Cruz, Diana Ross, Patti Labelle, John Denver, Tito Puente, Art Garfunkel and others

Recorded on film soundtracks: for Maid in Manhattan, I, Spy, and The Mummy Returns

Honored by peers: when named one of Latin music’s top percussionists in the Modern Drummer Reader’s Poll and one of rock music’s top drummers in DRUM! magazine

Education: received a Bachelor of Music Education degree as well as teaching credentials from the Roosevelt Conservatory (Chicago)

As an educator and author: Mr. Gajate-Garcia has produced two instructional videos as well as two books, both distributed by Warner Brothers. He is also a contributor to DRUM! magazine.

Web site: www.gajate.com