Anthony Carrillo was born of Puerto Rico heritage in New York, USA. Since his childhood, he expressed a special interest in music. His father, Mr. Roman "Don Nan" Carrillo, was his first teacher. Through his father, Anthony Carrillo was exposed to the music of "Ramito" (one of the greatest exponents of folkloric music in Puerto Rico) and Rafael Cortijo, and Anthony’s first influences became "Papi Andino" (Ramito's Bongo Player) and Roberto Roena (Cortijo's bongo player).



When he was only nine years old, Anthony Carrillo's family returned to Puerto Rico. It was then that his father asked David Ortiz "La Mole," who was considered one of the best Rumberos in Puerto Rico, to teach his son the techniques and patterns of the Rumba. At age 13, Anthony was already part of the well-known National folkloric group Areyto, directed by Mrs. Irene Mcleane.



During the early 80s, Anthony Carrillo became a member of the famous folkloric group, La familia Cepeda, the foremost exponents and keepers of the traditional styles "Bomba" and "Plena."



After that, Anthony Carrillo became a member of Batacumbele along with Ruben "Cachete" Maldonado, Giovanni Hidalgo, Eddie "Gua Gua" Rivera and Papo Vazquez.



Since then, Anthony Carrillo has performed with artists such as Andres Jimenez, Paul Simon, Harry Belafonte, Kip Hanrahan, Eddie Palmeri, Descarga Boricua, Angel Olmos, Alex Acuna and Papo Vazquez Pirates Troubadours, as well as many others.