Richie Gajate-Garcia is a drummer, percussionist, and educator. He has travelled the world and recorded with many renowned artists, such as; Phil Collins, Sting, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Diana Ross, Hiroshima, Patti Labelle, Amy Grant, Brooks and Dunn, Luis Miguel, John Denver, Art Garfunkel and many, many more. His nickname is ''El Pulpo'' which means octopus in Spanish. This name was given to him for his unique independence, and his ability to play multiple percussion instruments simultaneously.
He has recorded on soundtracks to many films, including ''The Italian Job'', ''Maid in Manhattan'', ''I-Spy'', and ''The Mummy Returns''. He is the percussionist of choice for the Disney studios and has played on many of the Disney Animated films such as; Kronk's New Groove, Emperor's New Groove, Brother Bear, Robots.
Richie was voted to be one of the top Latin percussionists by his peers in the Modern Drummer Reader's Poll and one of the top Rock percussionists in DRUM! Magazine by its readers in 2021.
