I was born in New York City to a Puerto Rican mother and Scottish father from West Virginia. My Puerto Rican/Scottish roots have infused my music with a distinctive rhythmic and melodic style. I have always been a performer. I got hooked when my mother, who recognized and nurtured my musical talents, took me to the backstage area of a Broadway production and led me on to the stage. I will never forget what that looked like; looking out to the theater. When I was in middle school I was accepted to the Rutgers Boys Choir. Later, I was accepted to the High School for Performing Arts in New York City, I wasn't quite ready to follow my dreams though.In the early 80's I worked in a band called Street-Kid, a regular band at Vinnie Pastore's Crazy Horse Lounge in New Rochelle. I later met a rising singer/songwriter named Henry Gross. He took me under his wing and gave me a chance to tour the country as a support act for Aerosmith, The Doobie Brothers (with Michael McDonald), The Band, The Charlie Daniels Band, and Fleetwood Mac.As the years passed, I formed my own band, Benny and the Spydrs. We were part of the house band at the China Club where we backed up Bruce Willis, John Fogerty, John Entwistle, Steve Lukather, Eddie Vedder, Billy Preston and Rick James. The Sypdrs got a chance to work with Robert Wuhl, of Arliss fame, on his first HBO Special. This is when I met Maria Torres, who I have been working with ever since. Maria and I did a workshop 4 years ago called Latin Heat; we are now revising it for a possible tour in Europe and Las Vegas. I have also worked with Corey Glover, from Living Colour. Currently I’m working with Alexis P. Suter (Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble), Hiram Bullock and rising Latin Star Pedro Capo. I have also become the music producer/supervisor for a new film company, M.D.P.I/SST Productions. They are currently shopping 2 scripts which I have supplied, written, produced and performed the music for. I’m always looking for the next project. Music is my life.
