Gothic Theatre
Eddie Benitez Video Shoot
Eddie Benitez was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and soon after his birth his family relocated to Europe. Born a military brat Eddie would meet a friend of his father in Spain that would change his life at the age of seven. His Father “Paco” would introduce Eddie to Andres Segovia the father of Classical Guitar. Eddie soon received guitar lessons from Andres Segovia. At the age of Ten Eddie and his Family would move back to the USA. Settling in Brooklyn, New York, Eddie would soon learn about the New York Rican way of life. In the cool summer nights of New York city you could hear Salsa music coming from the apartments, stores and local clubs. The sounds of the Lebron brothers, Tito Puente, Joe Cuba and many other Artists would fill the airwaves. Eddie would often change the radio station from Latin to top 40. At the Age of 13 Eddie put together his group “Nebula”. The first member of his group Gregory Hernandez was a percussionist who would teach Eddie all about the Clave. Eddie Benitez and Nebula would perform Block party’s and park events all over New York City. At the age of 14 Eddie would perform at a battle of the bands in a local high School that would bring him and Fania records together. Recording his first Album for Fania records at the age of 14 “Nightlife” would be acclaimed by Downbeat magazine, Latin New York magazine as one of the best ever Latin Rock/Jazz albums at the time. DJ Frankie Crocker would introduce several of the albums tracks on WBLS at the time the top FM radio station in New York. In August of 1976 Eddie would make his debut at Madison Square Garden Opening for the legendary “Fania Allstars” and “Tito Puente”. Later that year Eddie Benitez and Nebula would be the first Latin Artist to perform at CBGBs punk rock club they would be labeled a “Latin Punk Rock band”. Eddie would have a chance meeting with John McLaughlin and John would be very influential in Eddie’s music and spiritual life. Performing with such artist as Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Al Dimeola, Michael Walden, Billy Cobham, Stanley Clark, Charlie Palmieri, Malo and many others Eddie’s music now combines Latin, Jazz, Rock, New age.
