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 Conguero,
percussionist, producer, songwriter and bandleader Little Johnny Rivero
was born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents. As a young
boy, Little Johnny was drawn to the sounds and rhythms of the rumbero players
from Jefferson and Randall Island Parks in New York City. Little
Johnny began practicing percussion at age ten and played in the school
band. Soon after, he took dance lessons, which eventually led to performances
on stage with the bands of the era at such famous venues as The Manhattan
Center, The Colgate Garden, The Copacabana and the Palladium.
At age fourteen, Little Johnny joined Orquesta Colon, the youngest
Latin band in New York City, and recorded two albums with them. Johnny
moved to Puerto Rico with his parents and joined La Sonora Ponceña.
After playing bongos with them for a year and a half he switched to
congas, which rekindled the love affair he had begun with the instrument
as a small child.
During the sixteen years Little Johnny played with La Sonora Ponceña,
he traveled worldwide and made eighteen highly respected albums with
them. Currently, Little Johnny is traveling internationally with Eddie
Palmieri, winner of nine Grammy awards. In addition, Johnny continues
to work at studio sessions and perform with many of the biggest and
most respected acts in Latin music including his own band. Johnny’s
first solo effort, “Pasos Gigante,” was well received by
critics and music fans alike. Johnny also wrote and produced every
song on his CD, showcasing his arranging and playing abilities.
Currently, Little Johnny is working on his new CD title "Vengo
Echando Candela" which will take listeners on a musical journey.
Little Johnny's credits also include work with Charlie Palmieri, Dave
Valentin, Ruben Blades, Cheo Feliciano, Andy Montanez, Ismael Miranda,
Ismael Qintana, Adalberto Santiago, Justo Betancourt, Bobby Valentin, Celia
Cruz, Giovanni Hidalgo, Ray Barretto, Patato
Valdez, Changito,
Tata Guines, John Santos, Frankie Ruiz, Sergio George, Desgarga Boricua
all Star, RMM All Stars, Batacumbele, Alfredo De La Fe, Victor Manuelle,
Domingo Quinones. In the Latin Jazz field he has played with Brian
Lynch, Conrad Herwig, Tim Ries (Rolling Stones) Donald Harrison, Phil
Woods, David Sanchez, Miguel Zenon, Monty Alexander, Joe Locke, Kenny
G, Bebo Valdes, Paquito D Rivera, David Murray, Kathy Watson, and numerous
other artists.
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