Gerardo Velez
| Gerardo "Jerry" Velez | |
|---|---|
| Born |
August 15, 1947 Puerto Rico |
| Origin | The Bronx, New York, USA |
| Genres | Jazz fusion, funk rock, soul, blues-rock, electronic, hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, event producer, music director |
| Instruments | Percussion, congas, drums, harmonica, vocals |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Associated acts | Spyro Gyra, David Bowie, Steely Dan, Martha Veléz, Gypsy Sun and Rainbows, Duran Duran, Elton John, Jessica Simpson, Slash, Stevie Wonder, Chic |
| Website | www.gerardovelez.com |
Gerardo "Jerry" Velez (born August 15, 1947) is a Puerto Rican musician. Best known for performing with American psychedelic rock musician Jimi Hendrix at 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.
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 in 1994, followed by live album and video 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?].
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