Nicky Marrero

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Nicky Marrero, born Nicolas Jr. Marrero on June 17, 1950, in the Bronx, New York, is an American Latin jazz percussionist known for playing the timbales. He became a key figure in the 1970s New York salsa scene and was the timbales player for the Fania All-Stars.

He began playing professionally at age 15 with Orchestra Caribe, then joined Willie Colón’s band and recorded on the El Malo album. From 1965 to 1971 he played with Eddie Palmieri, recording Champagne (1968) and Harlem River Drive (1970), a project that fused Latin jazz with funk and social themes. He also played with Larry Harlow (1971–1973). In 1974 he joined the Fania All-Stars, replacing Orestes Vilató, and helped record many of Fania’s hits and tour the world. Marrero has performed with and recorded alongside artists such as Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Machito, Ray Barretto, Mongo Santamaria, Héctor Lavoe, Dizzy Gillespie, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, and Wynton Marsalis. He was a member of Típica 73 and has taught Latin percussion and music theory in New York and abroad, including a stint at the Conservatory of Rotterdam in the early 1990s. Later he performed with the Fania Latin Legends Band, and in 2008 released Live at Willie’s Steak House.