| Rubén Valtierra | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 26, 1964 San Rafael, California |
| Occupation | Keyboardist, Conductor, Composer |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
Rubén Valtierra (born December 26, 1964 in San Rafael, California) is the keyboardist best known for working with "Weird Al" Yankovic. The two met at the Dr. Demento 20th Anniversary special in October 1991. Shortly after, Yankovic invited him to join his band as a touring keyboardist, and they have worked together ever since. Valtierra can also be heard on the most popular tracks of Yankovic's albums and videos.
Valtierra began classical studies at the age of ten. After playing in his high school orchestra, he attended the University of California at Santa Cruz, and later was a member of the award-winning Cabrillo College Big Band. Upon graduation, Valtierra led the jazz/funk fusion group Rush Hour until moving to Los Angeles where, soon after arriving, he was playing, recording and travelling the world with members of groups such as Santana, Aretha Franklin, Tom Jones, Natalie Cole, Tower of Power, Chick Corea, Elton John, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
After world tours with rock legend Glenn Hughes/Deep Purple and Blues Icon Charlie Musselwhite, Valtierra found himself touring and recording with Yankovic.
When not touring, Valtierra is active in the studio, writing and producing, along with leading his Latin Orchestra (VLO).