About US
Crafting Sound Empowering Artists
Grand Slam Music Productions was founded on the belief that music is both an art and a community. Our mission is to empower artists through exceptional production services while nurturing the next generation of musicians through education.
Founder Willie Ruiz
Willie Ruiz began playing trumpet at the age of 13 and made his debut on New York’s salsa club scene at 18. Early in his career, he performed as a trumpet player with legends such as Héctor Lavoe and Ray Barretto. From the golden era of salsa to the present day, he has been deeply involved in the New York music scene. He is a graduate of the City University of New York, Lehman College, where he earned his Master’s degree in music.
During the 1980s, Willie performed with renowned Salsa artists and bands such as Héctor Lavoe, Ray Barretto, Celia Cruz, Adalberto Santiago,Larry Harlow, Tito Allen, Típica 88,and Héctor Casanova.
From the 1990s to the present, he has continued to perform with leading figures such as Ray Sepúlveda, Johnny Rivera, Tito Nieves, Ray Ruiz, Michael Stuart, Cheo Feliciano, Brenda K. Starr, Los Hermanos Moreno, Los Soneros del Barrio, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Víctor Manuelle, Luis Enrique, Fania All Stars with Johnny Pacheco.
Beyond salsa, Willie has also performed with American jazz and classic music greats such as Tony Bennett, Barry Manilow, Brighter Moments Jazz Orchestra, Slide Hampton, Lionel Hampton, and Clark Terry.
Alongside his career as a freelance musician, Willie has built an extensive career as an arranger and recording artist. He has arranged for major salsa stars such as Ray Sepúlveda, Johnny Rivera and Frankie Morales, as well as for independent, up-and-coming salsa bands, always providing arrangements of the highest caliber.
His style is characterized by maintaining a lively tempo and “swing,” while crafting arrangements that tell a story. With a balance of deep academic training and over 49 years of experience in music, Willie prioritizes the needs of each client while delivering music of the highest quality.
His arranging and recording works spans in countless albums.
Willie as a Pro Tools user, he is also highly respected for his expertise in recording, mixing, and mastering. His rare combination of technical skill and deep musical knowledge has made him a sought-after engineer among singers and musicians alike.
In addition to his professional work, Willie is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of musicians. He offers private lessons for salsa and jazz vocalists, identifying each singer’s weaknesses and providing targeted training to build vocal strength and performance skills. Many of today’s active Japanese jazz vocalists in New York have studied under him, receiving guidance tailored to their goals—from foundational technique to live performance preparation.