If you were to glance over Billboard Magazine's Tropical/Salsa charts, you would see the names of artists as diverse as Victor Manuelle, Frankie Negron, Marc Anthony and Tito Puente.  What all of these platinum selling artists have in common is that their recordings are achored by the Latin Bass stylings of Ruben Rodriguez. 

Born and raised in "El Barrio", New York's Spanish Harlem, Ruben began to play guitar at an early age, influenced by his father who was a classical guitarist.  By age 13 he switched to Bass so that he could play in some of the neighborhood bands, and at 14 he began playing professionally with Boogaloo ace, Johnny Colón.  By his senior year in high school Ruben was studying with Latin Bass great Victor Venegas and performing with the Legendary Machito Orchestra.

Like most inner city Latinos, Ruben grew up listening not just to the sounds of Tito Puente and Ray Barretto, but also R&B artists such as The Temptations, the Isley Brothers, and Aretha Franklin.  Hence in his playing you'll hear the heavy Tumbao of masters such as Bobby Rodriguez, Cachao, and Sal Cuevas, as well as the funky stylings of James Jamerson, Chuck Rainey, and Jerry Jemmott.

 Ruben's impeccable feel, excellent reading skills, and knowledge of diverse styles have made him one of the most in-demand session players on the Latin Music scene.  He has anchored recordings for artists such as Grover Washington, Jr., Lionel Hampton, and Earl Klugh and toured with Roberta Flack, Nona Hendrix, Darlene Love, and Linda Clifford.

Ruben Rodriguez plays the new Fodera N.Y.C. Empire 5-String.