Artist Info: William Ortiz

William Ortiz was born in Puerto Rico but was raised in New York City. His latino identity plays a vital role in his music, particularly his experience as a "nuyorican" in the 1970's have informed the aesthetics of his music, which transforms the sounds of the "barrio" into art. His musical studies began at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music. He received degree's in composition from S.U.N.Y. at Stony Brook and S.U.N.Y. Buffalo. Ortiz is professor of Music and Humanities at the University of Puerto Rico in Bayamón. [read more...]