Born in Havana on June 4, 1948, Paquito D’Rivera was a child prodigy who began his musical studies at the age of five under the tutelage of his father Tito, himself a well-known classical saxophonist and conductor in Cuba. At the age of six, the “wonderkind” was already performing in public, and when he was seven, became the youngest artist ever to endorse a musical instrument, when he signed on with the legendary company, Selmer.
But, by 1980, D’Rivera was dissatisfied about the constraints placed on his music in Cuba, and longed to come to the United States where he would have the freedom to fully develop his talents and his career. In early 1981, while on tour in Spain, he sought asylum with the American Embassy, and left his homeland forever.
Upon his arrival in the United States, D’Rivera was helped by many people; in particular, Dizzy Gillespie, David Amram, Mario Bauza and Bruce Lundvall, who gave him first solo recording date. D’Rivera quickly earned respect among American jazz musicians and was introduced to the jazz scene at some of the most prestigious clubs and concert halls in New York.
Paquito D’Rivera
“Who’s Smoking?” (mp3)
from “Who’s Smoking?”
(Candid Productions)
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