Manny Oquendo began percussion studes in 1945 and gained drumming experience with the bands of Carlos Valero, Luis del Campo,
Juan "El Boy" Torres, Jose Budet, Juanito Sanabria, Marcelino Guerra, Jose Curbelo and
Pupi Campo before becoming
Tito Puente's bongo player in 1950. Four years later
Oquendo was with
Tito Rodriquez and with
Vicentico Valdes in 1955. For the following six years,
Oquendo freelanced and recorded for New York's top bands. In 1962 he settled with the
Eddie Palmieri orchestra. Before 1974 ended,
Oquendo's Conjunto Libre came into being.
Oquendo gained world-wide recognition in 1983 with his recording of "Little Sunflower," considered one of the best recordings of the year. ~ Max Salazar