Nuggets of Experience: Latin Jazz Trumpeter Charlie Sepúlveda Looks Back
Earlier this summer, legendary Latin Jazz trumpeter Charlie Sepúlveda was honored during the 69th Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. In keeping with the theme of this year’s event, “Somos Más Que 100x35,” celebrating the extraordinary global contributions of Puerto Ricans, Sepúlveda was given a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his creative impact and timeless music. That same week, he visited BMI’s New York office to discuss his remarkable journey. Here’s what he had to say.
What was it that first drew you to the trumpet?
The albums from The Tijuana Brass. One day, my mom came home with this band, I liked the cover of the album very much and how it displayed the golden trumpet, and the cool sound of it. Also, in the ’60s I would watch the image of Louis Armstrong, and that would capture my interest, how he would display the music and sang, looking so happy with the biggest smile I’ve seen in my life. One time I came to our new home in Caguas, and in the backyard, I saw something shinning in the grass and when I went to pick it up, it turned to be the mouthpiece of a trumpet. I started blowing at it, and I have never stopped since. It felt like it was God sending me a message.
Where does your pseudonym “Charlie Nugget” come from?
This is not a sponsored message, but during my tour through New York with The Bobby Valentin Orquestra, I developed a craving for McNuggets with honey mustard and wouldn’t stop eating that every day. I would put them on a tray and share them with the band members, so they would always count on me to bring them nuggets. I was the nugget master. That’s how I became Charlie Nugget.
You were born here in New York but spent your formative years in Puerto Rico. You moved back here at age 18, and from there, you ended up working and collaborating with a long list of players from all over the map and from different genres. What is it about the music of New York City that has so influenced you?
Everything was happening at New York at that time. Salsa, jazz, hip hop, everything. It was the place to be. I would go to the Village Gate to listen to music. Sometimes I wouldn’t have the money to go inside, so I would stand at the little windows outside in the cold, so I could listen to musicians like Art Blakey, Art Farmer, Chet Baker, our Latin musicians like Tito Puente, etc. It went on for so long that the bouncer started recognizing me and would sneak me in for free.
The Smithsonian Institute just put your first trumpet on display. How does that historic validation feel?
I feel very humbled and grateful. And surprised to be among the biggest artists in our beautiful Latin music culture. I am very happy to be alive to get this recognition.
How would you describe your creative process?
Usually, I have to go through my emotions. Like changes in my life, things that have touched me. From that, I would get melodies, record them on my phone, then I hear in my head how everything should come together with my band.
What is your favorite creative discipline? Writing, recording or performing, and why?
I think all of them, but I like to write, and then after recording, perform for an audience. It’s like giving birth to my creations, and it’s truly magical.
What advice do you have for aspiring music creators looking to emulate your path?
To never quit, keep on writing your own music, and never ever stop dreaming and believing in yourselves.
What role has BMI played in your journey thus far?
In the exposure of my music. Achieving that my music is displayed in even countries that I have never been able to be in, and in assuring me the knowledge of where my music is playing. Very gratifying.
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