Feeling Alright

Artist Bio:
Ramón "Mongo" Santamaría Rodríguez was a Cuban percussionist and bandleader known for his pioneering work in Latin jazz. He was born on April 7, 1917, in Havana, Cuba, and began his career as a professional musician in the 1940s, playing with various bands in Cuba before moving to the United States in the 1950s. Santamaría is credited with helping to popularize Afro-Cuban rhythms in jazz music, blending traditional Cuban styles with American jazz to create a unique and influential sound.

Santamaría recorded over 50 albums during his career, with his most famous and commercially successful track being "Watermelon Man," which was later covered by jazz legend Herbie Hancock. He also collaborated with artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, and Cal Tjader. Santamaría's innovative approach to percussion and his ability to fuse different musical styles have made him a significant figure in the history of Latin jazz. He passed away on February 1, 2003, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of music.