Joey De Leon is one of the most diverse artists of our time. He was born in the Hell’s Kitchen section of New York City from a long heritage of musicians but was primarily raised in the South Bronx and North Bergen, New Jersey. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Classical Percussion from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, where he was awarded the highest honor, The George Schick Award for Most Outstanding Musicianship. 

Joey has performed or recorded with artists of almost every genre from jazz, Latin, pop, film, and contemporary classical music. The diverse list of artists is too long to mention but vary as wide as Queen Latifah, Al Jarreau, Dave Valentin, Hilton Ruiz, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Juan Gabriel, Joao Sebastian, Jennifer Lopez, Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Cyndi Lauper and Tan Dun. He has also recorded for many film and TV scores.

Joey is a member of Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, having won a Grammy for his work on “Life in the Bubble.” He also played with congüero Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band for over a decade. He played a one-year stint with the legendary trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, having won a Grammy on his album as well. 

In addition to music, Joey is a member of SAG and can be seen in national commercials and programs. Most recently he appeared on the McDonald’s commercial “Hay Un Big Mac For That.”

Joey also does private teaching, clinics, workshops, and is currently adjunct faculty at California Institute of the Arts. His mission is to reinforce the power of unconditional love and equality through music.