Paquito D’Rivera is a 16-time Grammy® and Latin Grammy® Awards winner, renowned for his brilliance in Latin jazz and classical composition. Born in Havana, his musical journey began at age 10 with the National Theater Orchestra. As a pivotal member of Irakere and the United Nation Orchestra, founded by Dizzy Gillespie, he showcased the fusion of Latin and Caribbean influences with jazz. D’Rivera's extensive discography, spanning over 30 solo albums, reflects his dedication to jazz, Bebop, and Latin music. A prolific composer, his works reveal eclectic influences, from Afro-Cuban rhythms to classical origins. Beyond accolades, his advocacy for cultural bridges earned him honors like the NEA Jazz Masters Award and the Living Jazz Legend Award, making him an influential ambassador of global music.