Escovedo, who celebrates his 80th birthday on July 13, has been a fixture in the Latin rock, jazz and fusion scenes for decades, performing with the likes of Carlos Santana, Tito Puente and his star-studded Escovedo family, which includes his daughter Sheila E, who is best known as the drummer and musical director for Prince for many years. Escovedo and Sheila E performed at the White House for President Barack Obama twice in the past six years.
Born in Pittsburg in the East Bay, Escovedo came up in the booming Latin jazz scene of the 1950s, with Pete and his brothers Phil and Coke forming The Escovedo Brothers Band and playing the thriving collection of clubs in the Bay Area. Escovedo gained acclaim for his work as a sideman with Carlos Santana, his leadership of the big band Azteca, his fusion jazz collaboration with Billy Cobham, and his role as a front man in the Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra.
Check out some of Escovedo’s performances below. More info and buy tickets.