Carlos "Patato" Valdés (1926–2007) was a Cuban conga virtuoso renowned for his innovative contributions to Afro-Cuban jazz. Born in Havana, he began his musical journey with La Sonora Matancera before emigrating to New York in 1954. There, he collaborated with jazz luminaries like Dizzy Gillespie and Tito Puente, blending traditional Cuban rhythms with jazz elements. Valdés revolutionized percussion by co-developing the tunable conga drum, enhancing its melodic capabilities. His dynamic performances, often featuring dance atop his congas, captivated audiences worldwide. Valdés's enduring legacy lies in his fusion of rhythm and melody, leaving an indelible mark on Latin jazz. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_%22Patato%22_Valdes?utm_source=openai))