Quick Facts
Biography
Gerardo "Jerry" Velez (born August 15, 1947) is a Puerto Rican musician. Best known for performing with American psychedelic rock musician Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock Festival in August 1969, Velez is a veteran percussionist and drummer, who has performed with many artists covering a number of different genres of music. He is also a common member of jazz fusion band Spyro Gyra.
Life and career
Born in Puerto Rico on August 15, 1947, Velez began his musical career in The Bronx, New York. He notably joined Jimi Hendrix's band Gypsy Sun and Rainbows in July 1969, performed at the Woodstock Festival and at a small number of studio sessions, before Hendrix disbanded the group in favour of returning to the three-piece format of The Jimi Hendrix Experience. The band's performance at Woodstock was released on the live album Woodstock in 1994, followed by live album and video Live at Woodstock in 1999. For all Hendrix releases on which he appears, Velez was credited with the nickname Jerry.
Since performing with Jimi Hendrix, Velez has continued to record and tour with high-profile artists, including David Bowie, Elton John and Duran Duran. According to his official website, Gerardo Velez has been nominated for seven Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame [when?].
Selected discography
- Gone Fishin' (2002) – percussion
- Hypnotized (1972) – conga
- Morning Dance (1979) – percussion, bongos, conga
- Catching the Sun (1980) – percussion
- Carnaval (1980) – percussion, bongos
- Incognito (1982) – percussion
- City Kids (1983) – percussion
- Access All Areas (1983) – percussion
- Alternating Currents (1985) – percussion
- Down the Wire (2009) – percussion
- Black Tie White Noise (1993) – percussion