Freddie Miranda Jr., born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, is a world-traveled, two-time Latin Grammy–nominated percussionist with more than three decades of experience across four continents. Now based in Vacaville, California and concluding his role as Director of Operations for the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West, he continues his long-standing work as a full-time performer and studio musician. He currently plays with top Bay Area acts such as Carlos Xavier and the Cabanijazz Project, among others, and remains in high demand for recording projects. One of his most celebrated recordings is Bobby Valentín Vuelve a la Cárcel, 25 Aniversario, a historic live concert and DVD featuring Rubén Blades, Cheo Feliciano, Giovanni Hidalgo, and more—ranked among the best-selling salsa albums of all time. His 2023 solo debut, Anda! Toca Miranda, features a powerhouse lineup including Freddie Miranda Sr., Luis "Perico" Ortiz, Gerardo Rivas, Manolo Mairena, Victor García, Paoli Mejías, Kachiro Thompson, Georgie Padilla, and Luisito Quintero.
From jazz festivals in Puerto Rico and the U.S. to military tours across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, Miranda’s career has combined cultural impact with musical versatility. During his years in Tokyo, he led Pacific Clave—the U.S. Air Force's first Latin jazz/world music ensemble—touring Japan and headlining Indonesia’s Java Jazz Festival. He also performed with Japan’s premier salsa group, Salsa Swingoza, and led his own band, Sekai Salsa. Over the years, he has shared the stage with artists from Take 6 to Wynonna and collaborated with icons like Gilberto Santa Rosa, Ray Barretto, Jerry Rivera Luisito Ayala and Puerto Rican Power, Glenn Monroig, Frankie Ruiz, Juan Gabriel, and José Feliciano.
