I was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico. Both my parents were musicians and so were their parents. Music was a huge part of our lives and I studied classical piano from the age of 7 until I was 12.
Around 1970-71, two of my older brothers had a horn band and were playing the club scene doing covers by Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears among others. Soon after, I heard “Saturday In The Park” and just HAD to learn it, it was the first pop song I ever played on the piano.
In 1974 (at the age of 15), I joined my brothers’ band and only a few months later, the director of talent booking at Disneyland saw us playing at a club in Mexico City and booked us on the spot – moving us to the U.S. where I became a citizen, changing my life forever.
From 1974 and throughout the 80s, the gigs never stopped! Traveling, playing/singing with various bands doing all kinds of gigs throughout the US, Mexico and South America, helped me learn and grow, and experiencing the real ups and downs of life as a musician. In the 90s, I started pursuing the recording industry with songwriting and production in mind. Which led me to become a session player/singer in LA. For the last 30+ years, I’ve been blessed to record keyboards or vocals for LA’s top producers, recording artists, TV shows, movies (some bad and some pretty big), TV & Radio commercials, etc.
In fact, you’ve probably heard me sing in TV commercials quite a few times without knowing it’s me… Or with recording artists like Lady Gaga, Camila Cabello, Lifehouse or Kelly Clarkson. As well as movies like “Happy Feet,” “Coco” – or a lead in “Encanto’s” ( “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”). But none of these have hit home like having the opportunity to play with Chicago. I’m a musician because of them!
When Ray Yslas (thank you Ray) referred me to Loren Gold (thank you Loren), in 2023 to fill in for him, I was floored to get the call!!! “WHAT?! CHICAGO??! Hmmm, let me think about it…umm… YES!!!”
To be able to share the stage with these amazing musicians and play and sing on these timeless smash hits, has to be one of the biggest highlights of my life! Not to mention these gentlemen are all TRUE gentlemen! Everyone, from the band to the crew! Making the touring experience so much easier and pleasant. I could not be more grateful and excited that they called me back! I love this gig! It only took me 50 years! Lol!
Stop by my website sometime to read more at c4carlos.com