John Santos is a renowned percussionist, composer, educator, and bandleader who has made significant contributions to the world of Latin jazz and Afro-Caribbean music. Born on November 1, 1955, in San Francisco, California, Santos grew up in a musical family and was exposed to a variety of genres from an early age. His father was a jazz saxophonist, and his mother was a singer and dancer who performed in Latin dance clubs. Santos began playing drums and percussion instruments at the age of eight and was soon performing with local bands. Santos' interest in Latin music was sparked by his exposure to the music of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Brazil. He began studying the rhythms and techniques of these styles and soon became a sought-after percussionist in the San Francisco Bay Area. In the 1970s, he joined the seminal Latin jazz group, Machete Ensemble, which was led by the legendary percussionist Francisco Aguabella. Santos also played with other notable Latin jazz groups, including Conjunto Cespedes, Orquesta Batachanga, and the John Santos Quintet. Throughout his career, Santos has been a passionate advocate for the preservation and promotion of Afro-Caribbean music. He has traveled extensively throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, studying the music and culture of these regions and collaborating with local musicians. He has also worked to educate others about the history and significance of Latin jazz and has taught at various universities and music schools. Santos has released numerous albums as a bandleader, including "Machete Ensemble," "Brazos Abiertos," and "Filosofia Caribena." He has also collaborated with other notable musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, and Eddie Palmieri. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Santos has also been recognized for his contributions to the field of music education. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Distinguished Artist Award from the California Arts Council. One of Santos' most notable performances was his appearance at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. He was selected to perform at the opening ceremony, where he led a group of percussionists in a rousing rendition of "Oye Como Va." The performance was widely praised for its energy and excitement and helped to bring Latin jazz to a wider audience. Santos has also been involved in various community-based music projects, including the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts in San Francisco. He has worked to promote cultural awareness and understanding through music and has been a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights. In addition to his work as a musician, Santos is also an accomplished writer and has published several articles and essays on the history and significance of Latin jazz. He has also contributed to various books and journals on the subject. Overall, John Santos has had a significant impact on the world of Latin jazz and Afro-Caribbean music. His passion for these genres and his dedication to preserving their history and culture have made him a respected figure in the music world. His performances and recordings continue to inspire and educate audiences around the world, and his work as an educator and advocate has helped to ensure that these important musical traditions will be passed down to future generations.

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