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 15 and made his debut on New York’s salsa club scene at 16. 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 artists and bands including Rafael De Jesús, Conjunto Clásico, Fasinación, Ray Barretto, Celia Cruz, Héctor Lavoe, Larry Harlow, Luis “Perico” Ortiz, Adalberto Santiago, Tito Allen, Típica 88, Los Rodríguez, 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, Frankie Negrón, Brenda K. Starr, Los Hermanos Moreno, Los Hermanos Colón, Soneros del Barrio, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Tito Allen, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Víctor Manuelle, Luis Enrique, Fania All Stars, and Johnny Pacheco.
Beyond salsa, Willie has also performed with American jazz and classic music greats such as Tony Bennett, Barry Manilow, Slide Hampton, Lionel Hampton, and Clark Terry. In 1999, he toured Japan with Michael Stuart’s Bacardi Tour, performing as part of the chorus.
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 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 48 years of experience in salsa, Willie prioritizes the needs of each client while delivering music of the highest quality.
His arranging and recording work spans countless albums, including projects with:
Ray Sepúlveda (Con Sabor), Johnny Rivera (Un Estilo Propio), Santiago Cerón (Homenaje Al Gallero Palmasola), Los Hermanos Colón (Natural), Orquesta Yarey con Chamy Solano (Ponme A Gozar), Miosotis (Ardiente), Raffy Diaz (Un Chico Romántico), Rikos On All Star (Evoluciones Del Son), Billy De Marco (Ocurrió Así), Los Hermanos Moreno (Together), Frankie Morales (Mambo of the Times), Ray Viera (Aquí Está Ray Viera), Pablo “Chino” Núñez (Chino Núñez & Friends), Yoko Mimata (Yoko – La Japonesa Salsera), among many others.
Willie is also an accomplished Pro Tools engineer, 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.