Jerry Medina is one of the leading vocalists and multi instrumentalists in the Latin Music industry. His background and education is as diverse and colorful as his music. He grew up in New York City listening to his mother, Lydia Ortega play the trumpet and to gospel singers in church. Besides studying music with both his mother and Luis Gonzales Peña, Jerry has completed Degrees and special programs in more "traditional" careers.
Along with his friend Néstor Torres, Jerry entered the Latin music scene and began playing with Torres' father's band. This was a stepping stone that opened the doors for Medina into the Latin music circuit. After this initial experience, Jerry joined the orchestra of the legendary Ismael Miranda. Then, in 1980, he joined Batacumbele, a group founded by Angel "Cachete" Maldonado, Eric Figueroa and Eddie Rivera with the assistance of the multi-talented, Fran Ferrer. This group grew to include the talents of Giovanni Hidalgo and Pablito Rosario. With Batacumbele, Jerry embarked on a musical experiment that would yield a fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms.
Medina has two solo albums; "Feeling Alright" and "De Parranda" con Jerry Medina. These albums have been acclaimed for their interesting fusion of Latin Jazz and other Caribbean rhythms like the guagancó, bomba, plena, songo and rumba beats.
Prior to recording these albums, Jerry Medina participated in two spectacular events: The Fania All Stars tour and The North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland. Through these events, Jerry toured in Spain, Italy, France, Africa, Colombia and Puerto Rico, and played alongside such icons as: Miles Davis, Ray Charles, Sara Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Horace Silver, Mel Lewis and Airto Moreira
His most recent recording was commissioned by the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña commemorating 50 years of the music of the great composer Rafael Hernandez. Jerry Medina also participated as an actor, singing in the movie "Havana Nights" and composes the music and lyrics of an upcoming movie, "Casi Casi".
