Benny Marin

Born and based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Benny Marín discovered his passion for the saxophone at a young age. His fascination began while watching local television, where he saw Master Lito Peña perform a captivating saxophone solo with his orchestra, La Panamericana. That same week, a lively performance by a church band further solidified his interest. Recognizing his talent and enthusiasm, his parents arranged for him to begin formal music training the following Saturday.

Benny studied at the Escuela Especializada Libre de Música Ernesto Ramos Antonini in San Juan, PR, a prestigious high school dedicated to musical excellence. He continued his education at the Puerto Rico Music Conservatory, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance and Music Education.

An accomplished woodwind instrumentalist, Benny has collaborated on live shows, television productions, and studio recordings under the direction of renowned musical directors and producers, including José Negroni, Quique Talavera, Ito Serrano, Nino Segara, José (Iky) Muñiz, José “El Profesor” Gómez, Wilfrido Drullard, and Willie Sotelo. His versatility has allowed him to explore a wide array of musical genres and share the stage with prominent international Latin music artists, such as Wilkins, Basilio, Ednita Nazario, Carmita Jiménez, José Luis Moneró, Sophy de Puerto Rico, Toño Rosario, La Lupe, Lalo Rodríguez, Orquesta Apollo Sound, Los Hispanos, Chucho Avellanet, and Giselle.

Benny made his debut as the leader of Shake Down Jazz during the second edition of the Heineken Jazz Fest. He later became a core member of the House Band for the television show Marcano: El Show on NBC Puerto Rico. From 1993 to 1996, he toured the world with Los Sabrosos del Merengue.

In San Juan's tourist district, Benny performed for several seasons with his jazz quartet, The Caribbean Jam. Their innovative musical style attracted both international visitors and local fans who frequently returned to enjoy their performances.

In a standout moment, Benny was selected to perform the official theme song at the 13th Latin Grammy Awards, composed by Agustín Barreto. His saxophone interpretation opened the ceremony and was featured throughout the broadcast. That same year, he contributed to the final galas of Mira Quién Baila and La Belleza Latina.

More recently, in February 2023, he performed at the Coca-Cola Music Hall as part of the ongoing Wilkins Tour. In May 2023, he was invited to Princeton University to perform at the Jose E. Feliciano Hall Dedication Ceremony at Yeh College.

Benny Marín's dynamic energy, expressive interpretation, and unmistakable Caribbean saxophone sound have become his signature. Now, he invites audiences to join him on his latest musical journeys: "Benny Marín/Urban Sax Collection Vol. 1", where he reimagines global pop hits from 2010 to 2022, and "Benny Marín/The Caribbean Road", a vibrant reinterpretation of the classic hits of the '70s and '80s, infused with his distinctive Caribbean flair.
- Elliot Knight