Tribute to The Masters: Ralph Irizarry

The music world mourns the loss of one of his greatest artists. A true master of his craft, bandleader, percussionist, timbalero Ralph Irizarry Sr. (Bronx, New York), passed away on September 5, 2021 at the age of 67, of complications from a deteriorating health condition. We pay tribute to his musical legacy with this playlist.

Ralph Irizarry, recognized worldwide as an excellent percussionist, first fell in love with the timbal at an early age when his father coincidentally brought home a set received as payment for a debt. A self-taught musician, Irizarry developed a highly efficient and personalized style of playing while leaving an enduring mark on the artists with whom he collaborated. His love for the instrument evolved into a full-fledged passion that fueled his career since 1970. Irizarry acknowledged, without reservation, that this passion had been all consuming since he was a youngster, and that it was the same passion that he always infused into his music.

• Artist Profile – Tribute to The Masters: Ralph Irizarry
• In Conversation with Master Timbalero, Ralph Irizarry
• Music Review – Ralph Irizarry & Timbalaye: 20^th Anniversary