Latin & jazz percussionist William Correa was born in Puerto Rico & began playing in NYC clubs in the 50’s & 60’s where he acquired the nickname ‘Bobo’ & soon began working under the name Willie Bobo. Before embarking on his own career, he played in Mongo Santamaria’s band, Tito Puente’s group & got his big break playing timbales on a George Shearing album. He then played in Cal Tjader’s Mambo Quintet in the late 1950’s. Beginning in the 60’s he formed his own group & they released their first single “Bobo! Do That thing!” in 1963 with an album of the same name shortly to follow. By 1967, Willie was on Verve Records, who released “Spanish Grease” at the beginning of that year. By 1970, he had moved to LA where he became a much sought-after musician on both jazz & Latin releases. Santana covered his song “Evil Ways” & “Fried Neckbones & Some Home Fries” which we featured here on Lost Treasures recorded at Woodstock. He suffered ill health into the 80’s and died of cancer in 1983 at age 49. Get your Latin jazz groove on for the weekend courtesy of Puget Sound Media!
