Paquito D'Rivera

The career of Francisco de Jesús Rivera Figueras, known as Paquito D'Rivera, began in 1965 when he performed as a featured soloist with the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra. Born in Havana in 1948, the multi-instrumentalist gained global recognition by mastering the saxophone and clarinet, eventually becoming the only artist to win Grammy Awards in both Classical and Latin Jazz categories.

Early Development and Irakere

Introduced to music by his father, Francisco Lorenzo Rivera Sanchez, D'Rivera began formal saxophone training at age five. In 1960, he enrolled at the Alejandro Garcia Caturla Conservatory of Music. By 1973, he co-founded the group Irakere alongside Chucho Valdés, an ensemble that pioneered the fusion of jazz, rock, classical, and traditional Cuban styles. His tenure with the group established his reputation as a formidable technician.

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Departure from Cuba

In 1980, while touring in Spain, D'Rivera sought political asylum at the American Embassy. His decision followed years of frustration with the Cuban government, which labeled jazz and rock as imperialist music. He left behind his wife, child, and brother, Enrique, though he successfully secured their departure from Cuba nine years later. Upon arriving in the United States, he quickly established himself in the New York jazz scene.

American Career and Collaborations

D'Rivera found immediate success in the United States with solo releases like Paquito Blowin' and Mariel. He has since performed at major venues including Carnegie Hall, collaborating with orchestras ranging from the London Philharmonic to the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. His backing ensemble, the Paquito D'Rivera Quintet, features Diego Urcola, Oscar Stagnaro, Mark Walker, and Alex Brown, with whom he recorded the award-winning Live at the Blue Note.

Awards and Recognition

His extensive discography and compositions have earned numerous accolades, including the National Medal of Arts and NEA Jazz Masters status. In 2023, he received Latin Grammy Awards for both Best Classical Contemporary Composition and Best Latin Jazz/Jazz Album. Beyond performance, he has served as a judge for the Independent Music Awards and held a residency at the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts.

Fast facts

Born: 4 June 1948, Havana, Cuba
Primary instruments: Saxophone, clarinet
Notable band membership: Irakere
Current residence: North Bergen, New Jersey
Notable award: National Medal of Arts
2023 Latin Grammy category wins: Classical Contemporary Composition and Latin Jazz/Jazz Album
Guggenheim Fellowship year: 2007
Berklee College of Music: Honorary Doctorate 2003

Questions readers ask

Did Paquito D'Rivera leave family behind when he left Cuba?

Yes. When he sought asylum in 1980, he left behind his wife, child, and brother, but succeeded in bringing them to the United States nine years later.