Edwin “Eddie” Montalvo is an American percussionist and bandleader of Puerto Rican descent born on September 25, 1952, in the Bronx. He established a musical background playing bongo at age seven before beginning a professional career at age 17 with Tony Pabon y La Protesta. After switching to congas, Montalvo joined the Fania All-Stars in 1979 as the youngest member. The recording career featured the 1978 album Siembra, which sold over 25 million copies. Montalvo performed with Rubén Blades for 12 years and contributed to the Grammy-winning Escenas (1985). His discography included the leader albums Drum Solos Vol. 1-3 (1973–1978), On My Own (1995), Desde Nueva York a Puerto Rico (2012)—a Grammy nominee—and Señor Tambó (2020). Professional activity included consulting for the film El Cantante (2006) and the release of a signature conga series by Latin Percussion. Montalvo also worked as a recovery responder at Ground Zero in 2001.
