Born September 29,1959 in Oakland California, Tam Tambor Sugayan an American - Filipino - Portuguese Professional Musician. Tam Sugayan is the son of percussionist Joseph Sugayan who began to teach and nurture Tam's insatiable appetite for percussion and the love of music at the age of five. At the age of twelve, Tam began his musical journey as a member of a band in the San Fransisco bay Area called GRITO who's members also included; Sheila Escovedo - (Sheila E), Joe Cano, Dale Viiiacecio - (Tierra). & Coke Escovedo was there Manager at the time who booked them with late greats like Vince Geraldi, Cal Tjader & Mongo Santamaria...,    

From the early 70's, 80's & 90's, when ever Tam wasn't performing or providing percussion and conga drum support & instuction, Tam found himself working in the music industy where ever there was a calling; be it in the studio tracking or doing voice overs, laying tracks for local bands for thier DEMOs or recording records, shooting videos, stage and movie production, writing and arranging percussion, creating samples, programming drum machines or just percussion loops for DJ's, Tam would still find time for community drumming in renowed places like University of California's Sproul Plaza, San Fransisco's, Delores & Aquatic Parks where as ayoung man he would hone he craft in these legendary community drum circles. 

After graduating from Oakland High School (1977) Tam began his career as a painter and then took a break from his music endeavors to persue a career as an entrepreneur. Longing for his love of music, he later returned back onto the music scene in 1989. The music community embraced his return as if he had never stepped out of the spotlight. His returned onto the music seen began by supporting local bands and performing at local venues and festivals as a guest artist with Pete & Juan Escovedo, Bobby Wmack, Joe Cano, Richard Bean & SAPO, Cold Blood, Tierra, Dwayne Wggins , Tamallii , Willie K and various other groups and artist performing all types of geners to include; R & B, Pop, Latin Rock, Latin Jazz, Salsa, Tex-Mex, Mexican Rock, Rap, Top-40, Folk, African & Various Latin Drumming, Country, Contempory and Polynesian. 

Married with four wonderful children, Tam has never been happier and more content with his personal life and musical career as this balance has been his motivator which has provided the opportunity to be a performing member of the following : 

  • Richard Bean & SAPO ("of SUAVECITO FAME") - Latin Rock 
  • Willie K - Hawaiian, Blues, Rock, Latin, Classical  
  • EN~VIVO Latin, Latin Rock, Latin Jazz, Latin Soul 
  • Mystique - Latin , Tex Mex, Mexican, R & B, Top 40 
  • Ray McCoy & The Luther Vandross Tribute Band 
  • Joe Cano - Latin, jazz, rock, salsa, Smooth Jazz, flamenco  
  • Le Ala Polynesia - Professional Polynesian Dance Company 
  • Breath Life & Spirit - Music Ministry 
  • Third Sol - Original Music - Latin-Funk-Soul 
  • STRATIFY - Smooth Jazz~Funk 
  • LA Project - Top 40
  • IMUA - Hawaiian/Island & Contemporary 

Tam's endorsements include Remo Drumheads, Tycoon Percussion, Rhythm Tech, Soultone Cymbals, and Get'm Get'm