Born in Bridgewood, Connecticut and raised in Bayanión, Puerto Rico, Jimmie Morales was first introduced to the conga drum by a neighbor. During the annual Christmas celebrations on the island during a “parranda” (caroling from home to home playing holiday music) a young Morales decided to be the conga player of the group.

Soon there after his love for the instrument as well as for Latin music became a passion. In 1976 he joined his first local band, “La Justicia,” followed by a position in the band “La Privilecta,” led by baritone player Beto Tirado (a member of the popular Willie Rosario Orchestra). After about three years with La Privilecta, Morales became part of singer Tito Allen’s orchestra. It was during this time that bandleader Willie Rosario noticed the percussion talents of Morales and asked him to join his orchestra.

By the beginning of 1980, Morales was filling the conga seat of the Willie Rosario Orchestra, a position that became vacant after popular conguero Papo Pepín decided to leave. It was during this period in his career that Morales really honed his percussive and musical skills under the direction of maestro Willie Rosario.

As for major influences as a conguero, Morales was influenced by Ray Barretto, Mongo Santamaría, Eladio Pérez, Patato, Candido, Armando Peraza, Francisco

Aguabella, Tata Güines, Eddie Montalvo, Frankie Rodríguez, Millón Cardona, Frankie Malave, and David “La Mole” Ortiz (who he continúes to study with today). After a tenure of eight years performing and recording with the Willie Rosario Orchestra, as well as recording with many other salsa stars in Puerto Rico such as Andy Montañez and Pellín Rodríguez, Morales migrated to the Gilberto Santa Rosa band in 1986.
For the past 19 years Morales has been drumming for his friend and boss, Gilberto Santa Rosa, one of the most popular and respected salsa singers and Latin orchestra leaders in the world today. He has also recorded with Frankie Ruíz, Eddie Santiago, Jerry Rivera, Domingo Quiñones and Juan Luis Guerra, among many others.

Through a mutual friend (Harry Sepúlveda). Morales befriended conguero and bandleader Poncho Sánchez, both admirers of each other’s musical achievements. The Grammy winner and Remo Signature Artist Poncho Sánchez brought Morales to the attention of Remo, Inc. Morales’ playing inspired Remo to design a conga drum for the salsa drummers of the world. The results are the new “Jimmie Morales Series Congas,” unveiled this past January at the 2005 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. Congratulations to Jimmie Morales on his career and joint venture with Remo. —
Rudy Mangual

Taked from Latin Beat Magazine

Tags: jimmie morales, Remo artist