Jose Caridad Hernandez, "Perico" was born in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, and grew up in Havana. At the age of 7, he was attracted to playing congas after listening and watching the street rumberos. When Perico was 17 years old, he was recruited to play congas and sing coro with the new Conjunto Casino. Conjunto Casino wa very popular in the 1950's and played regularly at the Capri
Hotel. Perico played/sang on various Conjunto Casino recordings for RCA.
Perico immigrated to the USA in 1970 and started his musical career all over again. He has been fortunate to have worked with many well know artists such as Lalo Schiffrin, El Chicano, Charo, Johnny Martinez and Poncho Sanchez.
In the last fifteen years, Perico has been developing his skill as a composer/songwriter. He was the musical director on the two Caravana Cubana CD's on which many of his original compositions were performed.His original material was performed by visiting Cuban artists such as Jesus "Chucho" Valdes, Maraca, Pio Leyva, Bobby Carcasses, and Bamboleo. He is presently producing his third CD called "Cuento en Clave" which is expected to be available May, 2009.
Hotel. Perico played/sang on various Conjunto Casino recordings for RCA.
Perico immigrated to the USA in 1970 and started his musical career all over again. He has been fortunate to have worked with many well know artists such as Lalo Schiffrin, El Chicano, Charo, Johnny Martinez and Poncho Sanchez.
In the last fifteen years, Perico has been developing his skill as a composer/songwriter. He was the musical director on the two Caravana Cubana CD's on which many of his original compositions were performed.His original material was performed by visiting Cuban artists such as Jesus "Chucho" Valdes, Maraca, Pio Leyva, Bobby Carcasses, and Bamboleo. He is presently producing his third CD called "Cuento en Clave" which is expected to be available May, 2009.
