Pete Escovedo was born on July 13, 1935 in California. He grew up in a musical family, with his brothers Alejandro, Coke, Javier, Bobby, and Mario all pursuing careers in music. Early in his career, Escovedo founded a band called the Escovedo Bros. Latin Sextet, where he showcased the musical talents of his siblings.
Escovedo was drawn to Latin music from a young age and he quickly made a name for himself as a professional percussionist. He later formed the band Azteca, which blended Latin music with jazz and rock fusion. The band gained fame for their unique sound and high-energy performances.
Azteca rose to prominence in the music industry, garnering a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Escovedo's drumming skills were a key component of the band's success, as he infused each performance with passion and energy. Their music resonated with audiences around the world and solidified Azteca's place in music history.
After his time with Azteca, Escovedo went on to perform with the Latin rock group El Chicano. His versatility as a percussionist allowed him to seamlessly transition between different musical styles, earning him respect from his peers in the industry.
Escovedo's musical talent runs in the family, as he collaborated with his sons Peter Michael and Juan Escovedo on various projects. His daughter, Grammy nominee Sheila Escovedo, also found success as a musician, following in her father's footsteps.
One interesting tidbit about Escovedo's family is that television personality Nicole Richie is his biological granddaughter. This connection to Hollywood added another layer of intrigue to Escovedo's already fascinating life story.
During the early 1970s, Escovedo had the opportunity to perform with legendary guitarist Carlos Santana. Their collaboration showcased Escovedo's versatility as a musician and further solidified his reputation as a top percussionist in the industry.
Escovedo's contributions to the music world have left a lasting impact, influencing generations of musicians to come. His passion for Latin music and dedication to his craft have earned him a place among the greats in the industry.
As he continues to perform and share his love of music with audiences around the world, Pete Escovedo remains a true pioneer in the realm of Latin music-inspired jazz and rock fusion.
Related links