Willy Calderon (born William Rafael Calderon Jr., December 22, 1989) is an internationally acclaimed American record producer, percussionist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer, recognized for redefining contemporary Latin and fusion music. On February 8th, 2026, he performed at the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show with Bad Bunny and surprise guests, Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga at Levi’s Stadium, taking part in marking the first Latin male to headline the Super Bowl and also one of the most politically controversial halftime shows in history. That same year, Calderon was  featured as the opening percussion artist at the iconic Hollywood Bowl during the Hollywood Bowl Salsa Spectacular, sharing the bill and marquee with artists Nathy Peluso and Grupo Niche. Also in 2026, he launched the Willy Calderon Neon Signature line of timbales with Gon Bops, also making history as the youngest signature artist on the U.S. West Coast. His signature line are the first mass-produced steel timbales featuring dual neon colors—yellow and magenta. 

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Calderon grew up in a musical family and began playing drums and percussion at the age of two. From early childhood, family friends and musicians regularly brought him on stage to dance and sing during live performances, immersing him in professional music environments from a very young age. He cites mentorship from legendary musicians Alex Acuña, Luisito Quintero, Luis Conte, and his godfather, salsa pioneer Julio Ernesto Estrada “Fruko,” whose guidance helped shape his musical foundation and artistic direction.

Calderon began his professional career at age 13, performing congas with Colombian artist La India Meliyara. His debut album, L.A. Impromptu, featured collaborations with over 30 of the world’s leading musicians. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has toured six continents and performed with major artists including Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Carlos Vives, Bruno Mars, Drake, Jermaine Jackson, Fonseca, and Silvestre Dangond. His work also extends to film and television, with credits on America’s Got Talent, Jane the Virgin, and Bones, as well as collaborations with actors Johnny Depp and Bill Pullman.

Calderon has served as an international cultural ambassador of Latin music, presenting concerts, workshops, and masterclasses across Asia, including Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, China, and Singapore. During a two-month residency in South Korea, he recorded as a featured percussionist on the government-funded Latin jazz album Latin Jazz In Seoul. In 2025, he was selected as a GRAMMY U Mentor, contributing to the development of emerging artists worldwide.

​Calderon is also credited with pioneering City Pop Salsa, a fusion of Latin rhythms and Japanese City Pop, first introduced through his award-nominated single “Stay With Me” from Project Neon: The Birth of City Pop Salsa, inspiring a new generation of cross-cultural artists.

A member of both The Recording Academy and The Latin Recording Academy, Calderon is endorsed by Gon Bops Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, Yamaha Music USA, Innovative Percussion, and Native Tongue Percussion.