Pete Perignon

Gilberto Santa Rosa

Latin Grammy Award–winning percussionist Pete Perignon was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, in June 1989, into a family with a deep musical heritage. He is the son of Pedro Luis Morales Cortijo, known as “Don Perignon,” and Maribel Donato Morales. From an early age, music became his life’s passion. He began his studies at age seven under Professor Raúl Rodríguez at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music extension program, later continuing at the School of Fine Arts with Rodríguez and David Marcano.

By the age of ten, Pete was already performing with orchestras, and at just fifteen he joined the acclaimed salsa group N’Klabe, where he performed for four years on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. In 2008, he became a member of NG2, remaining with the orchestra for five years. These formative experiences opened the door to collaborations with legendary artists and orchestras such as Gilberto Santa Rosa, Víctor Manuelle, Johnny Rivera, Maelo Ruiz, Tommy Olivencia, Puerto Rican Power, Domingo Quiñones, Yandel, Jerry Rivera, Orquesta La Mulenze, Luisito Carrión, Cano Estremera, José Alberto “El Canario,” Luis Perico Ortiz, and many more.

As both a recording and touring musician, Pete has worked with renowned producers including Ramón Sánchez and Luis Perico Ortiz. As a musical director, he has led ensembles accompanying Frankie Ruiz Jr., Anthony Cruz, Luigi Texidor, Choco Orta, and Charlie Cruz. His versatility and leadership have made him one of the most respected young percussionists of his generation.

Since launching his solo career in 2013, Pete has released three albums, including La Esquina del Bailador, which earned a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Salsa Album in 2018. He has contributed to more than ten Grammy and Latin Grammy–nominated or award-winning projects, including Gilberto Santa Rosa’s Necesito un Bolero, for which he received a Latin Grammy. His collaborations extend across genres, working with artists such as Nathy Peluso and Yandel.

Now leading his own orchestra, Pete continues to expand the possibilities of Latin percussion with passion, creativity, and innovation. A proud Toca Percussion artist, he brings his distinctive sound and energy to stages and recording studios around the world. With more than two decades of experience, his artistry, dedication, and vision make him a prominent figure in contemporary salsa and an inspiration to the next generation of musicians.