Cal Tjader (July 16, 1925 – May 5, 1982) was an influential American Latin jazz musician, recognized as the most successful non-Latino artist in the genre. Best known for his work on the vibraphone, he was also skilled on drums, bongos, congas, timbales, and piano. Tjader blended jazz with rhythms from Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America, often crossing between Latin jazz, modern jazz, and early Latin rock and acid jazz. His dynamic collaborations with artists from diverse backgrounds helped shape the fusion of jazz and Latin sounds. Tjader’s celebrated career, which lasted over four decades, was highlighted by a Grammy award for his 1980 album La Onda Va Bien.