We recently connected with Sammy Deleon and have shared our conversation below.
Sammy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
Before I started playing timbales, hearing the beat of a drum made my heart pump. I followed my idles like Orestes Vilatos, Ralph Irizarry, Kako, Manny Oquendo, Nicky Marrero. But it wasn’t until the I met and had the first opportunity sto get on stage with the Late Tito Puente that I figured it out. We developed a long-standing friendship inspiring me to explore Latin rhythms and Afro-Cuban music. Puente’s words “ look and listen” resonate with me until this day — I will be forever grateful for that message, that I have passed on thru the years.
Sammy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Regarded as one of the most renowned percussionists of our time, Sammy Deleon has transcended genre, style and class into a 40+ year musical career which revels in rich influences from the 70s to the present. Deleon developed a long-standing friendship with the late Tito Puente Sr. — inspiring him to explore Latin rhythms and Afro-Cuban music. Deleon is a well-recognized fixture in the Salsa & Latin Jazz scene. He has fronted his own band for 25+ years gaining popularity for his irresistible, danceable groove-oriented music. Performance credits include Tito Puente Sr., Héctor Lavoe, El Gran Combo, Ismael Miranda, Tommy Olivencia, Richie Ray, Poncho Sanchez, Adalberto Santiago, Maelo Ruiz, Vitin Avilés, Chivirico Dávila, Tito Allen, Tito Rojas, Tony Vega, Luisito Carrion, Choco Orta, Tito Puente Jr., Ray De La Paz, Víctor Manuelle, and Cleveland Jazz Orchestra. Deleon is the only Latin band to perform for a full house at Severance Hall — to play this stage is equivalent to Carnegie Hall. Other venues include TRI-C Jazz Fest, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and La Guarapachanga in Pinar del Río (Cuba). Deleon was chosen to participate in the 1st Musician’s Seminar Orchestra, which would play the opening night at the World Salsa Congress in Los Angelas, CA. Deleon was awarded the prestigious “TRI-C Latin Jazz of the Year” award joining the likes of Eddie Baccus, Greg Bandy, Kenny Davis, Bob McKee, Jackie Warren, Mark Mauldin, and Jamie Hadad. He has also received proclamations, lifetime achievement, humanitarian, and music awards. Recordings include Impacto Nuevo and Sammy Deleon Y Orquesta. Deleon teaches and mentors aspiring percussionists in Latin rhythms.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
As a child, I sang in the church choir with my brothers, Mikey & Robert. Along the way, my mentor, Rafael Guzman, introduced me to the timbales. I would practice daily for hours in the basement of our home., with my father saying “stop the noise”, and my mom would respond “leave him alone — would you rather he be in the streets” In my pre-teen years, I began to play with local groups in my hometown Lorain Oh. As a teenager, with a big afro…LOL, I began playing with Orquesta Charambo, a well known Salsa Band from Lorain, until I moved to Cleveland at about the age of 20.. I went on to play with Orquesta Marquis, a popular salsa and merengue band, directed by Nelson Orta. We worked a lot and I was loving it! Then Nelson assembled a new band, Impacto Nuevo. The band became so popular we were gigging nearly every day and traveling. The band recorded a CD, made Billboard, while continuing to gain notoriety, Those years were a blur…LOL. In my mid 30s, Nelson approached me about taking over the band. My reaction was “I can’t do what you do…I’m the timbalero and sound tech” (oh yeah forgot to mention that part). Nelson said “you can do it, I will help you”, and that is how Sammy Deleon y Orquesta was born. Until this day, some 28 years later, he remains my right hand. Musicians have come and gone but the chore musicians are consistent, Jackie Warren, piano, Rafael Guzman, congas, Elmer Arocho, bass , Nelson Orta, bongos/minor percussion, Scot McGee, lead trumpet, and Gilberto Morales, lead vocals.. It has not been and easy road. It has taken a lot of work, dedication, long hours and sacrifices to be where I am at today. My girlfriend, Elaine, once said to me “do you have any idea the positive impact you have on people” I replied “No. I’m just Sammy. I love what I do, I just want to make people smile, be happy.” In closing, Always remain humble, positive, embrace life with all its ups and downs, Remain thankful every day to anyone that has been supportive — family, spouse, musicians, promoters, DJs, venues, and FANS. Without them, I would not be where I am today, and I am not finished!
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I am self taught and preach, better said drill, aspiring musicians the importance of education. Stay in school! Technology and social media. I am old school. I utilize paper calendar and hit the pavement with marketing.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Sammy’s Place and Sammy Deleon
Image Credits
Sammy Deleon Con Salsa y Sabor (Azica records)