Lenny Castro

Lenny Castro (born September 19, 1956) is an American percussionist. He is one of the most prolific percussionists of all time, appearing on hundreds of albums, including those by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adele, Maroon 5, U2, Earth, Wind & Fire, Toto, and the Rolling Stones, among others.

Early life Castro was born and raised in New York City to parents of Puerto Rican descent. His father, Hector Castro, was a keyboardist and musical director for Latin artists such as Johnny Pacheco. His parents separated when he was young, and his stepfather introduced him to percussion instruments by gifting him his first pair of congas at a young age.

Castro attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art, where he studied classical percussion. Castro also studied in several music schools and ensembles such as Mannes School Of Music and Third Street Music School.

Career After graduating high school and playing in local bands around New York City, he was discovered by singer Melissa Manchester at age 19 and went on tour as her percussionist. Castro later moved to Los Angeles with Manchester where he was introduced to producer Richard Perry. Perry had him play for Diana Ross on her album Baby It's Me where Castro met session drummer Jeff Porcaro.

Castro was then invited to join the band Toto by Porcaro for their debut album tour, later joining them in the studio for subsequent releases. Among his contributions to the band was for their hit single "Africa", where he played the ethnic percussion heard on the track.

As a freelance musician, Castro has recorded with several other musicians, including Stevie Nicks, Joe Sample, and Eric Clapton, the latter of whom he played with for the Grammy-winning song "Tears in Heaven".

Castro was nominated for Best Contemporary Jazz Album at the 46th Annual Grammys for the album Rural Renewal as part of The Crusaders.

Personal life In 1982, Castro married session vocalist, Paulette Brown. They had two children together. Brown died in 1998.