Gerardo Velez

Gerardo "Jerry" Velez (born August 15, 1947) is an American 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.

Gerardo "Jerry" Velez
Born (1947-08-15) August 15, 1947
The Bronx, New York, U.S.
OriginThe Bronx, New York, U.S.
GenresJazz fusion, funk rock, soul, blues-rock, electronic, hip hop
Occupation(s)Musician, event producer, music director
InstrumentsPercussion, congas, drums, harmonica, vocals
Years active1969–present
Associated actsSpyro Gyra, David Bowie, Steely Dan, Martha Veléz, Gypsy Sun and Rainbows, Duran Duran, Elton John, Jessica Simpson, Slash, Stevie Wonder, Chic, Nile Rodgers Haircut 100,
Website

Life and career

Born in New York 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.

Selected discography
with Christine Hayley
  • Gone Fishin' (2002) – percussion
with Martha Veléz
  • Hypnotized (1972) – conga
with Spyro Gyra
with David Bowie

References
  • "Biography". GerardoVelez.com. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  • "Gerardo Velez > Credits". allmusic. Retrieved September 19, 2009.
  • "Gerardo Velez Discography". Discogs. Retrieved September 19, 2009.


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