Latin Percussion presents Karl Perazzo with a Lifetime Achievement Award to honor his outstanding contribution to music and percussion at the NAMM Show 2026. The presentation will take place at the DW/Roland booth, Room 202, second level, at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 23.
The award recognizes the achievements of the multi-Grammy award-winning percussionist and long-term endorser of Latin Percussion. An acclaimed, world-class percussionist, Perazzo is best known for his showmanship, deep groove, and precise technique when playing the timbales and congas. He frequently demonstrates his prodigious skills across an extensive percussive setup, in his dynamic solos as a longstanding and vibrant percussionist with renowned Latin rock group, Santana.
For more than 30 years, his skill in combining his signature multifaceted Latin rhythms with the guitar playing of Carlos Santana has contributed significantly to the band’s iconic sound, securing them multiple Grammy awards. Arhythmic force of nature, Perazzo has also recorded and performed with top artists around the world, including Dizzy Gillespie, Mariah Carey, Prince, Phish, and John Lee Hooker.
To receive the lifetime achievement award for percussion is more than an honor, it’s a reminder that sound residence and vibration is forever connected. Long live the rhythm of the heartbeat! Perazzo said.
We are absolutely delighted to recognize Karl’s extraordinary career with this Lifetime Achievement Award, said Chris Lombardi, DW president and CEO. His musical contributions and inspiration make him one of the most renowned percussionists today and a deserving recipient of this award.
Latin Percussion was founded in 1964 and is the largest hand percussion instrument brand in the world. Many of the world’s top artists play Latin Percussion, including Giovanni Hidalgo, Richie Gajate-Garcia, Stewart Copeland, Steve Gadd, Travis Barker, Mike Portnoy, and Cindy Blackman-Santana.
For more information, visit roland.com.