Cal Tjader

Cal Tjader
Tjader in 1958
Tjader in 1958
Background information
Birth nameCallen Radcliffe Tjader Jr.
Born(1925-07-16)July 16, 1925
St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
OriginSan Mateo, California, U.S.
DiedMay 5, 1982(1982-05-05) (aged 56)
Manila, Philippines
Genres
Occupations
  • Vibraphonist
  • composer
  • bandleader
Instruments
Years active1948–1982
Labels

Callen Radcliffe Tjader Jr. (/ˈdər/ JAY-dər; July 16, 1925 – May 5, 1982) was an American Latin Jazz musician, often described as the most successful non-Latino Latin musician.[1] He explored other jazz idioms, especially small group modern jazz, even as he continued to perform music of Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America.

Tjader played the vibraphone primarily, and was accomplished on the drums, bongos, congas, timbales, and the piano. He worked with many musicians from several cultures. He is often linked to the development of Latin rock and acid jazz. Although fusing Jazz with Latin music is often categorized as "Latin Jazz," Tjader's works swung freely between both styles. His Grammy award in 1980 for his album La Onda Va Bien capped off a career that spanned over 40 years.[2]

  1. ^ "Cal Tjader Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  2. ^ Reid, S. Duncan (2013). Cal Tjader: The Life and Recordings of the Man Who Revolutionized Latin Jazz. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland. p. 222. ISBN 978-1-4766-0588-3.