Ray Barretto was a pioneering percussionist and bandleader whose dynamic blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz reshaped Latin music. Born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, he rose to prominence in the 1950s and ’60s, performing with legends like Tito Puente and leading his own groundbreaking ensembles. Known as “Hard Hands” for his powerful conga playing, Barretto bridged the worlds of salsa, Latin jazz, and soul, earning a Grammy Award and leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most influential figures in Latin music history.