“Birds fly, horses run, and musicians play music. Once you stop that, you stop living,” said Walfredo Reyes, Jr., better known as Wally.
Born in Cuba and raised in Puerto Rico, Wally has been surrounded by music his whole life. Developing his musical style from his father, Walfredo, Sr., Wally gravitated toward the gritty, gripping sounds of rock music at an early age. When it came time for then 12-year-old Wally to purchase his first album, his choice was simple: Chicago Transit Authority, now known as Chicago. Little did Wally know, a year later he would attend every concert and, in due time, record an album with the same band that inspired him to become a musician.
“In the early 70s, my dad became the house drummer for the Desert Inn Hotel (on the Las Vegas strip),” Wally said. “And by the time I was 12 years old, I just wanted to play drums and percussion for a rock band.”
Born into a musical family, Wally didn’t have to wait long for his first shot. The trombone player who played with his father was married to a professional dancer and showgirl, who quickly recommended Wally for a job playing percussion rhythms for a dance class she attended.
“I remember, when I played Las Vegas showrooms, not being allowed to go on stage until I finished my homework,” Wally joked.
That simple after-school job was all Wally needed to discover a forever love for performance. Wally had one foot in the door, and there was no turning back. Grabbing onto any opportunity he could to play music, Wally eventually moved close to Los Angeles to pursue a recording career.
“In 1989, I got a big break with Santana,” Wally said. “And after that, the music business allowed me to sit in the best seat in the house.”
Santana has won eight Grammy awards, sold 90 millions records worldwide and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With such strong musical talent, Santana has influenced many bands and artists across the music industry, including The Eagles, as well as young Wally.
After playing for a band of such caliber, Wally played with other legendary bands and artists, such as: Jackson Browne, Gloria Estefan, Traffic, Steve Winwood and Lindsey Buckingham, just to name a few. In 2012, he lived out his childhood dream when became the percussionist for Chicago. These experiences have not only shaped Wally into the musician he is today but taught him a new understanding of the world around him.
“American music is influenced by the entire world,” Wally said. “Traveling the world has really allowed me to experience life in a different way.”
Jokingly, Wally said he could name easier all the countries that he has not visited, and each has left an impression in his memory and his music. But, by far the most memorable show he played was the Rock In Rio music festival in Brazil in 1991.
“Over 250,000 people were in attendance when I played with Santana in Brazil,” Wally recalled. “It was an intense moment, and the energy from the crowd that night was incredible.
Though Wally’s rock resumé places him among the best, he shows no sign of slowing down – music is life to Wally. Today, he lives in the Santa Clarita Valley, resting up between tours with Chicago, for their new album NOW Chicago XXXVI. And as the band transforms, so does the purpose of their travel.
In recent years, Wally and the band Chicago have played several free shows in support of global causes, including small towns impacted by natural disasters, as well as supporters of the American Cancer Society. Wally also has volunteered at the Los Angeles Food Bank, continuously showing his support when not on tour.
“At the end of the day, everyone is human. You are human; I am human. We are all the same,” Wally said.
Because of Wally’s versatility, he is one of the most in-demand drummers in the world today. He is currently working on a CD titled Welcome to Wally World, which will be an assortment of music from around the world.
“So many people say they are not good at something, and the only way they will know how truly good they are is if they get out there,” said Wally. “Music keeps me alive; I’m in it all the way or not at all.”
For more information on Walfedro Reyes Jr., please visit www.walfredoreyesjr.com.
