Cal Tjader's Swedish heritage didn't prevent him from becoming one of the foremost Latin jazz bandleaders of the '50s and '60s. He began his career drumming with Dave Brubeck before teaming with pianist George Shearing, who encouraged Tjader's interest in Latin music. The genre then became the focus of his own group, which featured legendary percussionists Willie Bobo and Mongo Santamaría. Tjader also enjoyed successful collaborations with artists outside the Latin sphere, and his incorporation of jazz and pop inspired the hybrid interests of performers like Carlos Santana.