Tino Contreras (1924–2021) was a pioneering Mexican drummer, composer, and bandleader whose career spanned more than seven decades. Renowned for blending jazz with Mexican folk traditions, avant-garde experimentation, and spiritual themes, he became a key figure in Latin American jazz. Contreras recorded prolifically, performing across the world and collaborating with leading musicians while cultivating a unique sound marked by rhythmic innovation and deep emotional expression. His work continues to inspire new generations exploring the boundaries of jazz and cultural identity.