Manolito Rodríguez
Biography
Manolito Rodríguez is an outstanding professional percussionist originally from Caguas, Puerto Rico. A graduate of the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, his musical career began at an early age, when he joined the group Haciendo Punto en Otro Son. At the age of 12, he was recognized at the 1998 National Salsa Day with the Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound Orchestra. His first significant achievement came at the age of 14, when he participated in the recording of the song “Paz para Vieques” with flutist Néstor Torres, which was nominated for a Latin Grammy.
Throughout his career, Manolito has worked and recorded with a variety of renowned artists in the salsa genre, including Víctor Manuelle, Ismael Miranda, Richie Ray, Bobby Cruz, Sonora Ponceña, Oscar de León, La India, José Alberto “El Canario”, Ng2, Tito Nieves, Andy Montañez, Bobby Valentín, and Roberto Roena, among others. In 2015, he joined the Puerto Rico Philharmonic Orchestra Arturo Somohano, participating in popular music concerts.
In 2017, Manolito released his first solo production titled “El Comienzo”, followed by his second album “Pasado y Presente” in 2021. Currently, he is the director of his own orchestra, where he performs as a singer and timbalero. His group has participated in various international events, such as Palo en Vivo, the Texas World Congress, the Chimpum Callao Festival in Peru, and the San Sebastian Street Festival in Puerto Rico
In addition to his musical career, Manolito has been a music educator for six years, impacting young people with the knowledge of percussion and the rich Puerto Rican musical history.
In 2025, the renowned percussion company Meinl made him their Signature Timbales Series, making him the second Puerto Rican to have a musical instrument named after him, a significant accomplishment at 38 years of age that highlights his influence in the musical arena for both professional and amateur musicians.
Throughout his career, Manolito Rodriguez continues to reap success and important achievements, consolidating himself as an emblematic figure in salsa music and percussion.
Country: Puerto Rico
Band: Manolito Rodríguez
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