Biography

In 2005, Johnny Mambo established his band, which is currently recognized as Johnny Mambo & Friends. Over the years, Johnny Mambo & Friends has had the honor of performing at numerous venues across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, including a notable appearance at Carnegie Hall City Wide’s event at the Botanical Garden in July 2021 and at Al Quinones Playground in July 2024. From 2013 to 2018, Johnny Mambo held a weekly residency at the renowned Red Rooster restaurant in Harlem, owned by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelson. Since 2018, he has maintained a weekly residency, performing every Saturday brunch at Made in Puerto Rico, located in the Bronx. This past June, Johnny Mambo & Friends participated in a sneaker campaign for Snipes and New Balance during the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. We have had the privilege of performing for four consecutive years at The Bronx Borough President’s Orchard Beach Summer Concert Series.

Johnny Mambo began his musical journey at the age of eight, playing congas with his father’s band. At 21, he encountered a significant mentor, Mr. Eddie Iglesias, who became a pivotal influence in his life. Eddie, a prominent trombonist and vocalist within the salsa music community, inspired Johnny to pursue his aspirations of becoming a musician and band leader.

Johnny has been influenced by several musicians in his journey to play Bongo, including renowned Percussionists such as Charlie Salinas, Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez, Willie Moreno, Jimmy Delgado, Yusnier Sanchez Bustamante, Jesse ‘Timbalon” Perez, George Delgado, & Orlando Vega, among others.

Johnny Mambo & Friends is a musical ensemble that caters to a diverse audience, including dancers, salsa enthusiasts, and jammers. They deliver a consistently high-energy performance that resonates with the crowd. Their deep appreciation for the art form and fervor for the rhythm enable them to engage with their audience, fostering an atmosphere of boundless enjoyment and fusion.