Jose "Candido" Rodriquez

Jose "Candido" Rodriquez

Born and raised in the Spanish Harlem section of New York City, Jose "Candido" Rodriquez attended the New York School of Music but admits his real musical education came on the corner of Broadway and 53rd Street, i.e., at the Palladium, home of the Mambo and Cha Cha Cha. It was at this epicenter of Latin Manhattan that Candido earned the title El Rival De Tito Puente while trading timbale solos with the legendary Puerto Rican percussionist.

Candido was soon noticed by The Big Apple's elite Latin band leaders and, thus, became a mainstay in the rhythm sections of Joe Loco, Machito, Ray Baretto, Willie Bobo, Randy Carlos, La Playa Sextet, Johnny Martinez and many others. Candito, and his twin brother Harry (Harry Bongo), eventually wound up doing a six-year stint with the famous Richie Ray - Bobby Cruz Band. Richie Ray's first album was an instant smash hit and put Candido and his brother on the road for several world tours. The pair become known as the Latin twins.

In 1971, with many recordings, tours and TV shows behind him, Candido left to form his own band and record such hits as Pacos De Fuego and Soy Mesclao. The stress of constant touring - exacerbated by a rift with his record company - led Candido to break up his band. After some time off, he signed on with the Joe Cuba Sextet and, at the conclusion of a tour ending in Los Angeles, decided to make L.A. his permanent home.

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Candido Bandito

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