Born in Lima, Peru, Alex Acuña was inspired to learn music by his father and older brothers (all of whom are musicians) by the age of four. By the time Alex turned ten, he was already playing in local bands. As a teenager, he was one of Peru's most accomplished session drummers, performing on many recording projects for album artists as well as film and television productions. Alex also earned a glowing reputation for his skills as a live performer.

At age eighteen, Alex was chosen by the great latin band leader, Perez Prado, to join his big band. It was with the Prado band that Alex first traveled to the United States. Several years later, he began studying at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, playing for three years as a classical percussionist under the famed cellist master, Pablo Casals.

In 1974, Alex moved to Las Vegas and there, he played with such greats as Elvis and Diana Ross. Following this chapter of his career, Alex became both drummer and percussionist for one of the most innovative jazz groups of our time - Weather Report - recording "Black Market" and the famous "Heavy Weather" album.

Alex's next move was to Los Angeles, California in 1978. He quickly earned the position of a valued session drummer and percussionist for recordings, television and motion pictures. He became the recipient of many awards and honors including the Emeritus MVP award from the L.A. chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and winner of the "Latin/Brazilian Percussionist" category of Modern Drummer's "Readers Poll" for five years running.

His countless album credits and live performances are comprised of such diverse artists as U2, Paul McCartney, Al Jarreau, Joni Mitchell, Yellow Jackets, Ella Fitzgerald, Andre Crouch, Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, Placido Domingo, Julio Iglesias, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Koinonia. Alex has recorded film scores under the direction of Dave Grusin, Alan Silvestri, Michel Legrand, Bill Conte,. Michel Colombier, Marvin Hamlisch, Maurice Jarre, Mark Isham, John Williams, and many others.

Alex is widely known as a gifted teacher and clinician of drums and percussion. He has recorded three of his own instructional videos and travels internationally teaching and giving seminars for Yamaha, Latin Percussion, Vic Firth, Remo and Zildjian. Alex has also contributed creative new designs for instruments to the music world, including various lines of sticks with Vic Firth, the "Asuka" line of cymbals with Zildjian and his own powerful "King Cajon" percussion instrument.

Alex's South American and Caribbean roots and understanding of contemporary and classical music make him a complete and skilled master musician. This is evidenced in his solo album "Alex Acuña and the Unknowns" and in his innovation, energy and pure heart. It is easy to see why Alex Acuña is one of the most sough-after musicians of our time. Alex recognizes his music is a gift from the Lord and gives all the glory to God!

Check out Alex's web site!

Alex Acuña's Discography