GON BOPS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT

Walfredo de los Reyes, Sr. is an internationally renowned percussionist and drummer. In addition to his own albums and recordings, he has recorded with major artists in Cuba and the United States, such as Tito Puente, Rolando La Serie, Louie Bellson, Cachao, Alex Acuna, Tito Rodriquez, Chico O’Farrill, Jose Fajardo, Linda Ronstadt, and Steve Winwood. 

Working in Las Vegas for many years, Walfredo Sr. backed up superstars Milton Berle, Wayne Newton, Tony Bennett, George Burns, Sammy Davis Jr., Robert Goulet, Rich Little, Bernadette Peters, Rita Moreno, Juliet Prowse, Ben Vereen, and Dionne Warwick, to name only a few. 

Walfredo, Sr. is one of Cuba’s most influential drummers and a pioneers of playing both percussion and drumset simultaneously. His diverse background and experience make him one of the most in-demand clinicians and educators in the country today.

THE BACKSTORY

BORN IN:
Havana, Cuba

LIVES IN:
Concord, CA

DRUMMING SINCE:
1939

CURRENT PROJECT(S):
"A Bigger Beat-An Introduction To Combining Drumset With Hand Percussion To Become A Two-In-One Drummer", by Walfredo Reyes Sr & Elliott Fine. A Life Story On Drumming In The 40 And 50 In Cuba and New York that led to Latin Jazz and Playing Of Today. Clinician For Sabian Cymbals and Gon Bo

THE INSIDE SCOOP

BIGGEST INFLUENCE(S):
Tough One! All the Congueros, Timbaleros, Bongoseros in my country and New York who taught me to play. Many friends and great players from Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Mexico; Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Max Roach and my great friend, Mr. Louie Belson, whom I worshiped; Last, not least, Mr. Candido Camero f

FAVORITE ALBUM YOU PLAYED ON:
Cuban Jazz!! Recorded in Habana Cuba in the early fifties, under Gema label.

CAREER HIGHLIGHT:
Playing in Las Vegas for 21 years for some of the finest acts of the 70's And 80's; Playing with my sons, Walfredo Jr And Danny…watching what talented players they turned out to be!

THE GON BOPS SKINNY

FAVORITE GON BOPS INSTRUMENT:
Timbales, Hardware, Bells, Cajons and Congas.