Johnny Rodriguez Jazz Memorial at Saint Peters Church

Saint Peter's Church in Midtown Manhattan has been the site of many memorials and celebrations-of-life for jazz musicians throughout the decades. Please join us for a celebration of the life for Johnny Rodriguez on January 13.

Johnny Rodriguez (1945 – 2024)

Johnny Rodriguez, the most recorded percussionist in the world of Afro-Cuban based dance music (salsa), known by the sobriquet “Dandy," died on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024 at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada at the age of of 78. His passing was confirmed on social media by his daughter Adrian. The cause of death were complications due to a series of strokes. A master of the battery of Afro-Cuban percussion which includes the timbales, conga, and minor percussion like the guiro, he was particularly revered for his virtuosity on the bongó and the cencerro (hand held bell).

Latin music historian René Lopez stated, “Johnny was the last of the what we would call the ‘old school’ on that instrument. Everything he played was impeccable. His repiques (conversational improvised licks) were always played in good taste, in clave,… he never overplayed and his bell playing was always on the money.”

For the full obituary, see here.

This musical is organized and funded by Elliot Harris with underwriting from Saint Peter’s Church. Musical direction is provided by Jose Madera. Streaming is available on Saint Peter's website and Facebook.

The memorial begins at 6:30 p.m. and runs for two hour. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Host or Publisher Saint Peter's Church