- Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume 7, 2003-2005, pages 492-494. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2007.
- Cuban percussionist and band leader, in the U.S. from the late 1940's. First came to note as a sideman with Tito Puente. Along with Willie Bobo gained more widespread popularity after joining vibraphonist Cal Tjader's band for three years. Composed the standard "Afro Blue". Formed his own Latin/Jazz fusion group in New York in 1962, recording for Riverside Records. His biggest hit was the Herbie Hancock composition "Watermelon Man".
- Survived by his six children, Nancy Anderson, Jose(Monguito) Felicia, Rosa, Felipe, Ileana, two sisters, Alicia Valdez, and Rosa Mendiola, and eight grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.
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