Papo Vázquez

NPRDP 2026 Honoree: Ambassador

Bio

Papo Vázquez is an acclaimed trombonist, composer, arranger, and bandleader whose influential music career has spanned more than five decades. Born in Philadelphia and raised between rural Puerto Rico and North Philadelphia’s vibrant Puerto Rican community, he moved to New York City at 17 to pursue music and quickly became a sought-after performer in the salsa and Latin jazz scenes. Throughout his career, he has performed and recorded with legendary artists including Celia Cruz, Willie Colón, Eddie Palmieri, Rubén Blades, Tito Puente, and Dizzy Gillespie, among many others. Widely recognized as a pioneer of “Bomba Jazz,” Vázquez is celebrated for blending Afro–Puerto Rican folklore with jazz, while continuing to tour and record internationally with his ensemble, Mighty Pirates Troubadours.

"One of the greatest honors and most important decisions in my life’s journey was to make the conscious choice to compose new musical variations rooted in our Puerto Rican folklore and help nudge our music into the future.  

I am honored to be selected as an Ambassador for this year’s 69^th annual celebration of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and grateful for the opportunity to lead the NPRDPO during the last 10 years. 

I sincerely hope to be a source of inspiration for future generations as they follow their dreams… mi granito de sal para el desarrollo de nuestra cultura puertorriqueña."

Social Media Links:

Papo Vázquez Website: www.papovazquez.com

Facebook @papovazquez

Instagram @papopirata