A protégé of the legendary Dizzy Gillespie, ARTURO SANDOVAL was born in Artemisa, Cuba, on November 6, 1949—just two years after Gillespie first introduced Latin influences into American jazz. From humble beginnings, Sandoval began studying classical trumpet at twelve, but it wasn’t long before the fire of jazz took hold. Today, he stands as one of the most brilliant and multifaceted musicians of our time: a virtuoso of trumpet and flugelhorn, a masterful pianist, timbalero, composer, and a fearless innovator whose artistry has captivated millions around the globe.
Sandoval is renowned as one of the most dynamic performers alive. He has lit up the stage at the Oscars, the GRAMMY Awards, and the Billboard Awards, dazzling audiences with both breathtaking technique and sheer joy. The accolades match the legend: 10 GRAMMY Awards (19 nominations), 6 Billboard Awards, and an Emmy Award for composing the acclaimed underscore to HBO’s For Love or Country starring Andy Garcia.
Widely recognized as one of the greatest trumpet players in history, Sandoval’s astonishing range, agility, and control allow him to execute the most intricate passages with power and emotion. His unique gift lies in his ability to seamlessly blend jazz, classical, and Latin traditions, creating a voice that is unmistakably his own. Beyond performance, he is a prolific composer, arranger, and educator, inspiring generations of musicians with his passion and dedication.