Sammy DeLeon Latin Jazz Group

Raised in Lorain, Ohio to Puerto Rican parents, is the middle child of 14 siblings. Deleon started his professional career with El Trio Puerto Rico at the age of 13. In sustaining his musical legacy, Deleon’s family and community upbringing remain a source of inspiration.

Deleon, a self-taught musician, delighted in the sounds of Tito Puente. In the early 1980s, a long standing friendship developed with the late Tito Puente when Deleon was invited to perform with Puente. Over the years Puente continued inviting him as guest musician, and later by Puente Jr. Deleon's main focus is as a Salsa & Latin Jazz percussionist, and band leader. He has immersed a lifetime performing, and exploring Latin Rhythms, and Afro Cuban music. A fixture in the scene, Deleon has been moving and grooving venues from the West Coast to the East Coast first with the popular Impacto Nuevo.

Known for the authentic Latin music, the group released a CD, Un Nuevo Estilo, a “new style” in Spanish. For past three plus decades in front of his own band, Sammy Deleon & Orchestra. The name concept emerged from a jam session with Cleveland inner city children. In his own critically acclaimed debut CD, Sammy Deleon y Su Orquesta, a dream he was always chasing -- you can’t sit still when Deleon’s playing, especially on the snaking Contigo Y Sin Ti, and the Cuban dance classic Baila Que Baila. On the CD cover, Deleon forms the illusion to his fans playing his prized Meinl Percussion set up. The playing and production are stellar throughout; if it weren’t for the address on the CD package, you’d never guess this release was local. The CD is a visual and auditory tribute to the diverse philosophies of dance and ballot passed down from his passion and love of Latin music. The recordings are stamped with Deleon’s personal signature, sophisticated way with lyrics; melody and Latin rhythm that have become a worldwide sensation for DJ’s, dancers and listeners alike.

Deleon’s flair has beckoned audiences from the East Coast to the West Coast including Hollywood Bowl, Severance Hall, Ohio Governors’ Mansion, The Mayor of Cleveland, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Indians Ballpark, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Playhouse Square, State Theatre, and countless Galas. Deleon likes the reaction that people have when we play. They always get up and dance. He is the most sought out musician and/or band leader opening up for acts such as the late Tito Puente, El Gran Combo, Santana, Marc Anthony, Sammy Hagar, La India, Tito Rojas, Tony Vega, Luisito Carrion, Choco Orta, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Sonora Poncena, and countless others.

In Northeast Ohio, Deleon is known as the Sammy Salsa College. He regularly mentors aspiring percussionists in Latin Rhythm; holds percussion clinics, and one on one sessions. Deleon has traveled to Cuba for altruistic humanitarian initiatives. Scene Magazine has named Deleon the Best Latin Band in a city filled with illustrious Latin musicians. In 2016, Deleon was the recipient of the prestigious JazzFest Legend award joining the ranks of Eddie Baccus, Greg Bandy, Kenny Davi, and Bob McKee. He remarked “… I’m gonna (stet) try my best to be the guy that keeps Latin Jazz going…” Deleon received a Humanitarian Award from the City of Lorain, Ohio.

Deleon is loved for the joy he brings through his irresistible dance music. Plans for annual recordings are in the works, as he continues to expand his repertoire to include a label for young talented artists.

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