A globally acclaimed percussionist, Perazzo had become widely known for his showmanship, deep groove, and technical precision on timbales and congas. He frequently showcased his virtuosity across an expansive percussion setup, delivering dynamic solos as a long-serving and vibrant member of the legendary Latin rock group Santana.

Karl Perazzo Latin Percussion Lifetime Achievement Award - NAMM show 2026

For more than three decades, Perazzo’s distinctive blend of multifaceted Latin rhythms, combined with the guitar artistry of Carlos Santana, played a pivotal role in shaping the band's signature sound and contributed to its multiple Grammy Award successes. Beyond his work with Santana, Perazzo had recorded and performed with an array of internationally celebrated artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, Mariah Carey, Prince, Phish, and John Lee Hooker, among others.

Karl Perazzo
Karl Perazzo has been playing with Santana since 1991. By the time he was 12, he had already played with Malo, Ray Obiedo, Prince and Andy Narell. Beyond his work with Santana, Perazzo had recorded and performed with an array of internationally celebrated artists, including Mariah Carey, Dizzy Gillespie, Phish, The United Nations Orchestra, Prince and John Lee Hooker. He also has several side projects which he leads, including the popular Salsa band, Avance. In addition to performing and recording, Karl also teaches percussion.

Reflecting on the honor, Perazzo said the award was "More than an honor. It is a reminder that sound resonance and vibration is forever connected. Long live the rhythm of the heartbeat."

LP Karl Perazzo Signature Sugar Skull congas and bongos
Three days prior to the 2019 NAMM Show, we were lucky enough to record all the new from Gretsch, DW, PDP and LP at the DW factory in Oxnard, across the street from Drummchannel.com. All the new products were displayed in the middle of the factory, in the booth that we used to see at the NAMM Show. And that is were we found the new LP Karl Perazzo Signature Sugar Skull Congas and Bongos.

Karl Perazzo Signature Sugar Skull Congas

Karl Perazzo & Michael Carabello - El Sabor de Santana ( Karlbello )

Chris Lombardi, President and CEO of Drum Workshop, Inc., commented: "We were absolutely delighted to recognize Karl’s extraordinary career with this Lifetime Achievement Award. His musical contributions and enduring inspiration established him as one of the most renowned percussionists of his generation and a truly deserving recipient of this honor."

The Lifetime Achievement Awards
The Lifetime Achievement Awards have been installed since 2016, when Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Skunk Baxter won the first. In the next years several drummers were honored and installed as well. Josh Freese and Karl Perazzo are the fourth and fifth drummers receiving the Roland (and now DW) Lifetime Achievement Award.

2018
Thomas Dolby
Steve Vai

2020
Omar Hakim
Yngwie Malmsteen

2022
Gary Numan
Jim Keltner

2025
Patrice Rushen
Sheila E.
Steve Stevens

2026
Prince Paul
Adam Granduciel
Josh Freese
Karl Perazzo